1967 — Third World Press Founded to Amplify Black Literary Voices

On May 26, 1967, poet and educator Haki R. Madhubuti (formerly Don L. Lee), along with Johari Amini and Carolyn Rodgers, founded Third World Press in Chicago. Established during the Black Arts Movement, the press aimed to provide a platform for Black writers and intellectuals whose voices were often marginalized by mainstream publishers. Operating initially from Madhubuti\’s basement, Third World Press grew into the largest independent Black-owned publishing house in the United States. It has published works by prominent figures such as Gwendolyn Brooks, Amiri Baraka, and Sonia Sanchez, contributing significantly to the preservation and promotion of African American literature and thought. The press\’s commitment to cultural empowerment and education continues to influence generations of readers and writers, reinforcing the importance of owning and controlling narratives within the Black community.