Part of the Story: Writings from Half a Century

by Margaret Busby

This rare self-portrait from pioneering publisher, writer and cultural activist Margaret Busby underscores her powerful legacy and celebrates some of the people and places that have shaped her exceptional life

Margaret Busby has been at the heart of cultural life in the UK for over 50 years. From becoming Britain’s youngest and first Black woman publisher when she founded publishing house Allison & Busby, to editing the ground-breaking international anthologies Daughters of Africa and New Daughters of Africa, her many achievements are testament to her dedication to championing the lives and stories of others, particularly those throughout the world who have been marginalised by the mainstream.

With little attention previously given to her own skills as a writer, Part of the Story is a unique opportunity to enjoy her own remarkable literary output. It brings together her writings on people, places, politics and publishing, and provides a rich insight into the many elements that have contributed to shaping her life, from her childhood in Ghana to the Black writers, intellectuals, artists and activists she has worked with, befriended, supported and championed for over half a century.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 26, 2026

About the author

Margaret Busby OBE (Nana Akua Ackon) was born in Ghana, of part-Caribbean parentage, and educated in Britain. On graduating from London University in the 1960s she became the UK’s youngest and first Black woman publisher when she co-founded Allison & Busby Ltd, of which she was Editorial Director for 20 years.

She works as a writer, editor, consultant, reviewer and broadcaster.

She has served as a judge for many literary awards (such as the Caine Prize for African Writing, the Orange Prize, the Independent Prize for Foreign Fiction and the OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature), and has been associated with numerous organizations, including the Africa Centre, the Royal Literary Fund, PEN, Wasafiri magazine (for which she is currently chair), the Organization of Women Writers of Africa, the African & Caribbean Music Circuit and the Hackney Empire theatre. Having won awards for her contribution to book publishing, she continues to campaign for diversity in the industry and is also the patron of Independent Black Publishers (IBP).

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