A Utah student from Nigeria is focused on telling authentic stories about Africa through his new publishing company.
Kenechi Uzor moved to Utah nearly a decade ago, following his wife to nursing school at Utah Valley University. He quickly realized that there were many misconceptions about Africa and wanted to make a change.
Uzor started with several authors and books in series, ready for distribution, that explored his continent.
“How is life in Africa?” he thought. “If movies or media are not doing so well, that’s what we have to change. We will write stories and share opinions and ideas that are actually representative of what Africa looks like right now.”
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Uzor collected books from half a dozen African authors, but he needed some expertise to help him navigate the publishing world.
Through his research efforts, he found a unique program at the Lassonde Institute at the University of Utah. The Masters of Business Creation program helps budding entrepreneurs grow companies that have already started.
“How do you accelerate revenue, how do you market, how do you sell, how do you hire people, how do you raise capital?” “This is a program unique to the University of Utah,” said Troy D’Ambrosio, executive director of the Lassonde Institute for Entrepreneurs.
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D’Ambrosio said the program acts as an accelerator and currently helps more than 80 businesses, including Iskanchi Press, Uzor Publishing Company. Thanks to the guidance he is receiving, Uzor said he will publish six more books by the end of the year.
While most of the books he publishes are in English, others are translated from various African languages. The subjects of the books will cover a wide range, including a Mauritanian author who has an African science fiction theme.
“I like to give back to the community that supports me,” Uzor reflected. “It was amazing, really — a crazy ride!”
This story was originally published by Scott McKane at Scripps News Salt Lake City.
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