Black Zine Fair
The Black Zine Fair is a celebration of all things Black and independent publishing in New York City! Zine makers, educators, collectors, and the zine-curious are invited to gather, trade or sell zines, and exchange knowledge surrounding zine-making, publishing, and do-it-yourself culture. Organized by Sojourners for Justice Press and hosted at Powerhouse Arts, the fair is free and open to the public.
“Indeed, zines are experiencing a renaissance in cities across the US as their online counterparts are increasingly subjecting users to profit-driven surveillance and censorship. In New York alone, exhibitions devoted to printed ephemera and DIY publications have appeared everywhere from the Brooklyn Museum to the [...] Black Zine Fair.”
—Jenny Wu
“‘There’s a freedom people are craving because they’re feeling so constrained, surveilled and, frankly, threatened in so many other spheres that exist,’ said Mariame Kaba, the co-founder of the Black Zine Fair in Brooklyn, who has been making zines since the 1980s. ‘You can print it cheaply, copy it, and make it into something, then you can give them out by the thousands to people in your community. There’s no barrier to entry, and that makes a difference.’”
—Mallory Carra
“One sunny afternoon in May, a century-old power plant in Brooklyn was buzzing—not with electricity, but with hundreds of creatives congregating at the Black Zine Fair. Handmade booklets piled up on table after table, forming vast paper topographies of politics and activism and culture."
—C. Brandon Ogbunu
“[Sojourners for Justice Press] and the [Black Zine Fair] exemplify how today’s alternative media builds on the legacy of the Underground Press, shifting focus away from corporatized newsmaking toward a more accessible and adaptable practice where those historically and contemporarily forced to the margins are platformed so as to share their own narratives with full autonomy."
—Aaron Boehmer
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find the latest updates about the fair?
You can stay updated by following us on Instagram.
Why is it called the Black Zine Fair?
Despite the rich influence Black people have had on publishing, there aren’t enough Black exhibitors at publishing events. We’re committed to creating a free platform for Black zine makers who otherwise wouldn’t have access to other zine/art/book fairs and festivals or institutions. The Black Zine Fair is an opportunity for Black zine makers and independent publishers to connect with each other, distribute their work, and celebrate Black history in a space made for us.
What is a zine?
A zine is a do-it-yourself publication that emphasizes expression and connection. Zines have no strict rules or aesthetics, and can feature a variety of content from radical political writings and personal stories to experimental art. Zines are often self-published and they prioritize communication over commerce.
Who can attend the fair?
This event is free and open to anyone who wants to support the work of Black zine makers! RSVP is required to attend the fair.