FOUNDER/FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
Carolyn A. Butts is the publisher/founder of African Voices, a leading arts magazine devoted to publishing fine art and literature by artists of color. Carolyn is also the founder of the Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series (www.reelsisters.org), the first Academy Qualifying Film Festival for Shorts devoted to women filmmakers. Reel Sisters provides opportunities for women of color in the film industry. Carolyn was recently featured in Black Enterprise (https://www.blackenterprise.com/reel-sisters-film-festival/) for her business acumen and spotlighting the importance of hiring women behind the camera in the film industry.
A trailblazer, Carolyn has increased the visibility of Black and Latino artists in literature, film and art. The magazine continues to be an outlet for emerging artists to publish fiction, poetry and visual art. African Voices has published more than 4,270 writers and artists since its inception in 1992. Carolyn’s work in publishing and the arts has earned her many distinguished honors including the Women In Media Award 2019, Women’s Enews 2019 “21 Leaders for the 21st Century” Award, Total Faith Network Award 2018, National Writers Union’s Louis Reyes Rivera Excellence Award for Educators 2015, 2017 Proclamation from the NYC Council at City Hall, LIU’s Living History: A Tribute to Excellent Award 2013, Women in Media Award 2010 and Spirit of A Woman Firestarter Award 2013.
A trailblazer, Carolyn has increased the visibility of Black and Latino artists in literature, film and art. The magazine continues to be an outlet for emerging artists to publish fiction, poetry and visual art. African Voices has published more than 4,270 writers and artists since its inception in 1992. Carolyn’s work in publishing and the arts has earned her many distinguished honors including the Women In Media Award 2019, Women’s Enews 2019 “21 Leaders for the 21st Century” Award, Total Faith Network Award 2018, National Writers Union’s Louis Reyes Rivera Excellence Award for Educators 2015, 2017 Proclamation from the NYC Council at City Hall, LIU’s Living History: A Tribute to Excellent Award 2013, Women in Media Award 2010 and Spirit of A Woman Firestarter Award 2013.