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Championing The Next Generation of Diverse Voices in Canada’s Literary Industry
Deborah Cox Lends Her Voice in Support of a Special National Awareness Campaign
Grammy® Award-nominated and multi-platinum R&B/Pop recording artiste Deborah Cox is lending her powerful voice in support of the Giller Mantella Scholarship national awareness campaign to champion the next generation of diverse voices in Canada’s literary industry. Alongside Sylvia Mantella and Elana Rabinovitch, Cox is highlighting the $10,000 Giller Mantella Scholarship, which empowers and supports students across Canada who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC), or racialized, a crucial initiative at a time when racialized and minority groups are increasingly at risk.
Cox believes diverse writers deserve a chance to shine and that investing in the next generation of BIPOC talent is critical.
“We should all embrace this belief: we share one planet, and every voice should matter equally. Diversity is essential; it’s our strength, not a weakness,” she said.
As a Black woman, Cox has carved her path in the creative industry by embracing the universal language of human emotions. Her ability to tap into the raw and real experiences that connect us all—the joys, the heartbreaks, the triumphs, and the struggles—has resonated with audiences worldwide, transcending boundaries and building a global community.
“The next generation is watching as hard-fought achievements unravel. We are making progress in empowering the next generation. We live in a time when we learn from them just as they learn from us. I hope this continues to be the case,” she said.
Breaking Barriers for BIPOC Writers
Launched a year ago with groundbreaking success, the Giller Mantella Scholarship continues to break barriers and amplify the voices of BIPOC students pursuing a career in literature who have long been underrepresented, reinforcing that diverse voices matter. With applications closing Wednesday, April 2, Sylvia Mantella, Vice President of Marketing, Sponsorship, and Philanthropy of the Mantella Corporation, is encouraging BIPOC students across Canada to apply.
To be eligible, applicants must be:
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Pursuing or planning to begin full-time studies in their first bachelor’s degree or diploma in English Literature, Writing, or Creative Writing.
- Identifying as BIPOC or racialized, as defined by Statistics Canada.
- Holding a minimum cumulative average of 75% (or equivalent) over their last three terms of available grades.
Addressing Systemic Barriers in Education
A 2023 study from York University and Wilfrid Laurier University uncovered shocking statistics around disparities in postsecondary transitions, invisible gatekeeping, and inequitable access to rigorous upper-year curriculum. Over 20% of racialized high school graduates do not transition directly to postsecondary education despite having the same qualifications as their peers.
The Giller Mantella Scholarship is designed to help change that narrative by providing tangible support to emerging writers facing systemic barriers in the literary world.
“Representation matters all year round,” said Sylvia Mantella.
She emphasized that as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies face rollbacks across North America, particularly in education, corporate settings, and government, supporting the BIPOC community is more important than ever.
“We are looking beyond milestone celebrations like International Women’s Day, Black History Month, and beyond Women’s History Month, to encourage young writers of colour to embrace their voices with confidence and conviction. Storytelling has the power to shape perspectives, challenge norms, and inspire change. Through initiatives like the Giller Mantella Scholarships, we aim to support emerging writers—particularly those from underrepresented communities—so they have the opportunity to share their stories with the world.”
Defending DEI in the Literary World
Elana Rabinovitch, Executive Director of the Giller Prize and the Giller Foundation, underscored the strategic vision behind the Scholarship at a time when DEI initiatives are under fire.
“The DEI backlash hampers initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, leading to a decline in support for policies that foster inclusive practices,” Rabinovitch said.
“As a woman leader in the arts, I believe it’s crucial to support and invest in the next generation of Black, Indigenous, and racialized women writers in Canada because their unique voices and experiences enrich our cultural narrative. By supporting these writers, we not only empower them to share their stories but also create a more inclusive and representative literary landscape.”
Celebrating Emerging BIPOC Writers
Last November, the Giller Mantella Scholarship celebrated three exceptional students in its inaugural awards ceremony:
- Samar Jain from British Columbia, a first-generation college student at the University of British Columbia and Sciences Po Paris.
- Nida Atique from British Columbia, also studying at the University of British Columbia.
- Eunsae Lee from Ontario, studying at the University of Toronto.
With the Giller Mantella Scholarship breaking barriers and providing meaningful opportunities, the initiative reinforces that diverse voices matter—not just in literature, but in shaping a more inclusive and representative cultural landscape in Canada.
