W. Paul Coates: Preserving Black Literature Through Decades of Dedication

W. Paul Coates, founder of Black Classic Press, has dedicated nearly five decades to reviving out-of-print Black literature. His journey began in 1963 when, as a 17-year-old Army recruit, he discovered Richard Wright's memoir "Black Boy". This encounter sparked a lifelong passion for Black literature that would shape his future endeavors.

After leaving the military in 1966, Coates became involved in political activism, joining the Black Panther Party. His commitment to education and empowerment led him to establish the George Jackson Prison Movement, which provided books to incarcerated individuals.

In 1978, Coates and his wife Cheryl Waters founded Black Classic Press in their basement. Their first major project was reproducing a special issue of Survey Graphic from 1925, showcasing works from Harlem Renaissance luminaries such as Langston Hughes and Claude McKay.

"What Paul is doing is saying, 'We have a history' — and that history is documented, and we have to make sure that those documents stay in circulation."

Walter Mosley, renowned author of the Easy Rawlins series, has published three novels with Black Classic Press. He emphasizes the significance of Coates' work in maintaining the continuity of Black literary history.

Coates' influence extends beyond his own press. He has been instrumental in uniting Black publishers, organizing collective exhibits at publishing expos, and facilitating information sharing during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, Black Classic Press operates alongside BCP Digital Printing in a Baltimore industrial park. This setup allows Coates to control the entire publishing process, embodying his belief that Black people should have the means to tell their own stories.

As Coates approaches his 80s, he contemplates the future of Black Classic Press. While he doesn't expect his children, including writer Ta-Nehisi Coates, to take over, he remains open to new leadership that shares his vision.

Coates' lifetime of work will be recognized on November 20, 2024, when he receives the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation at the National Book Awards ceremony in New York. This honor, established in 2005, acknowledges his outstanding service to the literary community.

Throughout his career, Coates has demonstrated that preserving and promoting Black literature is not just about business, but about maintaining cultural heritage and inspiring future generations. His work serves as a testament to the power of dedication and the enduring importance of diverse voices in literature.