by Keka Araújo
October 1, 2025
Organizers confused that their paramount focus stays on the success of the Black Guide Bash, which is designed to amplify the voices and works of Black authors throughout varied genres.
Conflicting accounts have emerged forward of the annual Black Guide Bash, a high-profile occasion celebrating Black authors, after organizers alleged that grocery big Publix abruptly withdrew its dedicated title sponsorship.
Nevertheless, the Polk County, Florida-based company unequivocally rejected the declare. The ensuing controversy has sparked requires a client boycott and forged a shadow over the cultural occasion scheduled to begin this weekend.
The organizers sparked a public dispute via a social media video, claiming that Publix, which they acknowledged was slated to be the occasion’s main sponsor, had rescinded its assist simply days earlier than the opening. They asserted that this sudden reversal necessitated drawing upon private funds to mitigate the monetary rupture and be certain that the celebration of literacy and Black voices may proceed.
Publix, nevertheless, has maintained a agency denial. The communications director for the Southern grocery chain acknowledged in a telephone interview that, following an inner overview, the corporate concluded there was no foundational settlement in place.
“We’re disheartened,” the director stated. “After conducting an intensive investigation, we concluded that Publix by no means agreed to sponsor or function the title sponsor of this occasion.”
Casey Kelley, an organizer for the Black Guide Bash, provided a materially completely different narrative, detailing months of communication with a company entity.
“Over the previous few months, one among our sponsorship coordinators was in communication with somebody from a Publix.com electronic mail handle,” Kelley stated.
Kelley subsequently offered an electronic mail—reviewed by News4JAX—that ostensibly confirmed the sponsorship supply being formally rescinded.
The essential textual content of the digital communication learn, “I remorse to tell you that Publix [is] not capable of supply sponsorships for the foreseeable future. On this unstable [climate], we now have pulled all sponsorships for the foreseeable future. In consequence, we’re rescinding the prevailing supply to sponsor Black Guide Bash…”
On Sept. 30, Kelley took to Instagram to additional clarify the scenario and supply much more context to the puzzling scenario.
“What up, Guide Individuals? We’re enthusiastic about Black Guide Bash occurring this weekend. Sadly, the main target has shifted from the occasion to Publix– with an entire lot of misinformation and inaccuracies.”
She continued, “Over the previous two months, one among our sponsorship coordinators had been in communication with somebody from a Publix.com electronic mail handle. By means of a number of calls, digital conferences, and even emails, we reached an settlement for exclusivity on the title sponsorship, and that’s not the one sponsor. It’s the title sponsor. On Sept. 22, we acquired an electronic mail from the identical electronic mail handle that acknowledged that Publix would not be sponsoring. Regardless of that, our staff pulled collectively our private funds and sources to cowl all excellent balances… two days afterward Sept. 24.”
Kelley additionally commented {that a} viral video posted on Sept. 26 was the catalyst for bringing the smoke to Publix. She additionally defined that her group declined all media requests from the chain. In accordance with the Black Guide Bash organizer, Publix claimed that the sponsorship wasn’t accepted as a result of it hadn’t come from the corporate’s basis.
Nevertheless, Publix’s web site doesn’t checklist the muse, however does have a “Requests” tab beneath its Neighborhood tab. The verbiage straight from the positioning is beneath.
There’s additionally a piece to particularly request a Publix Advertising and marketing Sponsorship Request. Upon clicking the “Submit Request” button, the person is shipped to an software that also doesn’t point out a basis.
“We imagine in giving again. Request assist right here.
For those who symbolize a nonprofit group that’s doing nice issues to your group in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, or Kentucky, Publix is glad to overview your request.
Areas of focus.
We assist organizations that target youth, schooling, lowering starvation, and assuaging homelessness. Donations for varsity golf equipment and groups will probably be made payable to your certified college, to not booster golf equipment. Please make certain that your college is registered, and that you just apply on behalf of the varsity when making these requests.
What we contribute.
“We overview requests for donations, present playing cards, sponsorships, giveaways, and program advertisements.“
Tips on how to make a request.
All requests are submitted on-line.”
The e-mail’s purported sender utilized the corporate’s right area identify, the exact same area utilized by the grocery store’s company communications staff for official press correspondence.
But, regardless of this proof, an organization spokesperson issued a categorical denial of its provenance, “We are able to affirm definitively that this communication was by no means despatched by Publix.”
It’s essential to notice that Publix’s official coverage on range and inclusion is printed on its company web site.
“Publix values inclusion. A various, inclusive, and merit-based workforce makes our firm—and our group—higher. We worth the recent concepts and distinctive views that every affiliate supplies. We make it a precedence to make use of and work with certified and proficient folks from many backgrounds, cultures, talents, and ethnicities. We’re pleased with our long-standing dedication to creating and sustaining an inclusive work surroundings for our associates, during which they really feel a way of possession, delight, and belonging. Publix supplies our associates with a voice, an open-door coverage, coaching, improvement, and profession alternatives.”
Sarcastically, Publix’s dedication doesn’t seem to increase to its C-suite. Heading the corporate are 4 white males. And in 2021, Publix was a contributor to the rally that subsequently became the Jan. 6 Revolt. There have been calls to boycott the grocery store on the time.
Organizers confused that their paramount focus stays on the success of the Black Guide Bash, which is designed to amplify the voices and works of Black authors throughout varied genres.
The occasion is about for the weekend, Oct. 3-5, on the Hyatt Regency in Jacksonville.
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