Decolonising Access Podcast: Episode Five
“It is vital that we empower our languages and our culture.” – Kassahun Checole
In this episode, Bethlehem Attfield talks to Kassahun Checole, the founder of Africa World Press (1983) and The Red Sea Press (1985), which, to date, have published more than 3,000 titles on the culture, history, and politics of Africa and the African diaspora. Kassahun gave up his successful academic career in the US in 1983 to focus on destabilising the system that hindered the widespread accessibility of the works of fellow African scholar-activists by establishing publishing houses tailored to their needs.
His social activism, innovative entrepreneurial efforts, and meaningful contributions have earned him many recognitions and awards. These include induction into the International Literary Hall of Fame, receiving the 2006 Distinguished Africanist Award at the University of Texas at Austin, and honours from the African Studies Association in 2011. That same year, he also received the American Dream Award from the International Institute of New Jersey.
Third World Quarterly (TWQ) is delighted to offer a prize in honour of Kassahun Checole for the best and most innovative article published in the Journal by an Early Career Researcher (ECR) in the field of African Studies. The winner of the 2026 prize was announced at ASAUK. Learn about the Kassahun Checole Prize.
Read our Q&A, The Life and Legacy of Kassahun Checole: Champion of African Publishing.
