Young Cape Verdean Author Crowdfunds for US Business Dreams
Thirteen-year-old Cape Verdean author Lauryn Rose Teixeira took center stage at the 2nd International Portuguese Language Literary Fair (Flilp) in London this week, with a mission that goes far beyond book signings. The young writer is seeking support to attend a prestigious entrepreneurship program in the United States to expand her advocacy for representation in children’s media.
A Mission for Representation
Born in the UK to parents from Cape Verde and São Tomé, Teixeira published her debut book, Lauryn – This Is Me, at just nine years old. The work, which explores her cultural heritage and personal history—including the departure of her father during the COVID-19 pandemic—has already garnered international acclaim. In May, the London Assembly honored her with an Inclusion and Diversity award for “promoting inclusive narrative and challenging stereotypes about afro hair and Black identity.”
Her latest project targets a stark gap in the publishing industry. “I want to help children grow up feeling represented,” Teixeira told the Lusa news agency. She plans to launch a website promoting books featuring Black protagonists and dolls with natural “afro” hair, items she says are still difficult to find despite a growing global conversation on diversity.
The urgency of her project is backed by data. A study by the non-profit Inclusive Books for Children found that of 2,721 books analyzed last year, a mere 1.9% featured a Black main character.
The Journey to Seattle
Teixeira’s talent recently earned her a scholarship to Prodigy Camp in Seattle, an elite international program for youth aged 13 to 18 focused on entrepreneurship and leadership. While the scholarship covers the program itself, she is currently fundraising to cover travel and accommodation costs for her mother and brother.
“With everything happening in the world, I prefer to be accompanied by my mother,” she explained while selling copies of her book, which is available in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French.
Celebrating Portuguese-Speaking Voices
Teixeira was one of nearly 50 authors showcased at Goldsmiths University in South London for the two-day fair. Under the theme “Saudade and Nostalgia,” the event highlighted the vibrant literary output of the Lusophone diaspora.
“The Portuguese-speaking community misses speaking and consuming Portuguese as immigrants,” said organizer Angélica Massoca, noting the importance of creating a space for these voices in the UK. The event featured a diverse lineup of writers from Portugal, Angola, and Brazil, with a notable majority of women participants.
For Teixeira, the fair was not just an opportunity to sell books, but a platform to build the networks necessary to turn her entrepreneurial vision into a reality. “I want to make more contacts and friendships so I can develop my business skills,” she said.
Image: Pexels – Mikhail Nilov
