FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York, NY—Universal Write Publications (UWP), an academic publisher dedicated solely to amplifying Black scholarship, has teamed up with digital solutions agency Bnevol to launch a new, purpose-driven website that goes far beyond standard publishing functionalities. This partnership not only expands access to groundbreaking Black scholarship but also provides African developers with a platform to demonstrate their skills and potential in tech.

UWP’s new website reflects its commitment to making Black scholarship accessible on a global scale. With features like personalized author pages, e-book options, and a dedicated platform for early-career Black scholars, the site is designed to serve as both a functional tool and an empowering resource. In an industry where trust, reliability, and rigor are essential, Bnevol’s experience and shared commitment to these values played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life.

Supporting Black Scholarship and African Talent

This partnership is a response to the chronic underrepresentation of Black-led talent in both publishing and tech. Studies reveal that Black tech professionals make up only 7% of the industry workforce, and Black-owned publishers are even rarer. Too often, Black professionals are overlooked as collaborators despite the unique perspectives and skills they bring. Through this partnership, UWP and Bnevol demonstrate that Black-led teams are not only capable but essential in expanding the reach and relevance of these industries.

A Real-World Impact: Internship in Action Program

A unique aspect of this partnership is the Internship in Action program, co-developed by Bnevol and Action for Refugee Life (AReL) based in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. This initiative provides African refugee students with hands-on experience in building the UWP platform, offering real-world training in web development and digital content management. The program allows interns to contribute directly to the platform’s development, turning the website launch into a powerful social impact project.

“The Internship in Action program reflects our commitment to recognizing talent beyond borders,” said Zehn Baskerville, CEO of Bnevol. “By giving young African developers meaningful experience in an industry where they are often overlooked, we’re not just building a tech platform—we’re helping build a future where their skills and perspectives are fully valued.”

Unlike typical short-term initiatives, the Internship in Action program provides something truly rare—a sustainable, year-round opportunity for African refugee students to gain hands-on experience in real-world web development projects. Through their work on the UWP platform, interns contribute directly to the platform’s development, turning the website launch into a powerful social impact initiative while actively bridging the digital divide for refugees.

What sets the Internship in Action program apart is its long-term commitment to empowering students beyond traditional educational models. While many well-intentioned programs in refugee settings offer valuable digital skills workshops, they often face resource and capacity limitations that make it challenging to provide continued support. Bnevol and AReL recognized this gap and built a solution that teaches skills and sustains growth through ongoing mentorship and real-world projects.

Universal Write Publications partnering with Bnevol and AReL creates a powerful synergy beyond technical skills. It allows young African refugees to work alongside a black-owned business led by a black woman, Dr. Ayo Sekai, whose work centers on their experience. This partnership enables students to see themselves in their work, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging.

Setting New Standards for Academic Publishing and Technology

In addition to the cultural impact, this partnership sets a high standard for how technology and publishing can work together to drive positive change. The UWP website was built to meet the specific needs of an academic publisher, with a focus on reliability, rigor, and trust that is essential for scholarly work. This collaboration between UWP and Bnevol showcases the value of mission-driven, intentional partnerships that elevate both Black scholarship and African talent in tech.

“Our work with UWP is about making technology serve the needs of a community that deserves greater visibility and accessibility,” said Baskerville. “With a focus on reliability and rigor, we’re proud to support UWP’s mission and help demonstrate what Black-led tech and publishing teams can accomplish together.”

Redefining Possibilities in Black Scholarship and Technology

The partnership between UWP and Bnevol highlights what’s possible when Black-led organizations join forces with purpose. At a time when Black professionals are often overlooked as collaborators, this alliance is a testament to the power of intentional partnerships. By creating a platform that meets the specialized needs of academic publishing while providing African developers with practical, high-impact experience, UWP and Bnevol are setting a new example for empowering voices and driving meaningful change.

—

About Universal Write Publications

Universal Write Publications (UWP) is a Black-owned academic publisher dedicated to publishing works exclusively by Black scholars. Committed to elevating Black academic excellence, UWP provides platforms and resources that make groundbreaking Black scholarship accessible worldwide. For more information, visit https://uwpbooks.com.

About Bnevol

Bnevol is a Black-owned digital solutions agency amplifying the impact of mission-focused organizations and leaders with a suite of premium technology products, services, and tailored solutions to meet the needs of the champions of change. For more information, visit https://bnevol.com.