Radical Publishing Futures 5: Daraja Press

In our fifth episode of the Radical Publishing Futures series, Meg Arenberg interviews Kenyan publisher Firoze Manji, founder of Daraja Press. Reflecting on his 25 years in editing and publishing, including his work as founder and editor in chief of the prize-winning pan African social justice newsletter and website, Pambazuka News and its book publishing arm, Pambazuka Press, Manji describes the bridge-building and solidarity-fostering impulses that led to the founding of Daraja Press. Over the course of the episode, he talks about the difference between publishing academic work and fostering intellectual conversations, what it means to think of publishing as a symphony, and the challenge -- particularly in the digital age -- of keeping engagement with radical ideas alive beyond the printed page. 

In addition to his work in publishing, Firoze Manji has 40 years of experience in international development, health and human rights, and is Adjunct Professor at the Institute of African Studies and Contract Instructor, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. He has written widely on health, human rights, development and politics and is co-editor, with Sokari Ekine, of African Awakenings: The Emerging Revolutions and co-editor with Bill Fletcher Jr, of Claim No Easy Victories: The Legacy of Amilcar Cabral.