Introduction
Mother’s Day is an annual occasion when we take the time to honour the incredible women who have shaped our lives through their love, support, and guidance. In celebration of Mother’s Day 2024, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) will publish a unique anthology that pays tribute to the strong mother figures who have left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds, showcasing their unwavering strength, resilience, and love. As N. K. Jemisin writes in her novel The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, “In a child’s eyes, a mother is a goddess. She can be glorious or terrible, benevolent or filled with wrath, but she commands love either way. I am convinced that this is the greatest power in the universe.”
Call for Submissions
We invite academic and professional support staff at the Univ ersity of Johannesburg (UJ) to share their personal stories and reflections on the powerful impact of maternal figures in their lives. These submissions should be between 750-1200 words and can be personal essays, anecdotes, or reflective pieces.
Submission Guidelines
Theme: Submissions should focus on the role of strong mother figures and their profound impact on the authors’ lives. The stories should capture the essence of strength, love, and resilience. While personal anecdotes are encouraged, contributors should also aim to reflect on broader societal and cultural aspects of motherhood.
Originality: All submissions must be original works and should not have been previously published elsewhere.
Format: Submissions should be in English and follow APA citation style if any referencing is applicable.
Word Count: Submissions should fall within the range of 750-1200 words.
Submission Deadline: All entries must be submitted by no later than 31 January 2024 with the title ‘Mother’s Day Anthology [Surname]’ to smangelez@uj.ac.za
Selection Process: A reviewer from UJ will evaluate the submissions based on their creativity, originality, emotional impact, and relevance to the theme. Selected entries will be chosen for inclusion in the anthology.
Publication Timeline
- Call for Submissions: 27 October 2023
- Submission Deadline: 31 January 2024
- Review and Selection: February – March 2024
- Notification to Authors: April 2024
- Editing and Compilation: April – May 2024
- Publication Release: 12 May 2024 (Mother’s Day)
Authors will have the opportunity to share their contributions with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) community during a launch event in May 2024.
Conclusion
By sharing these stories, we hope to celebrate the strength, resilience, and love embodied by mothers and mother figures everywhere. Through this anthology, we aim to foster a deeper appreciation for the women who have shaped our lives and to provide a platform for the UJ community to reflect on the profound impact of maternal figures.
