At Mixed Heritage Press, we are committed to amplifying diverse voices and diaspora stories. Every so often, we have the joy of celebrating milestones that not only honour our authors but also highlight the cultural importance of the stories they tell. Today, we are delighted to share such a moment.

Congratulations to Mixed Heritage Press author Tania Hernandez, whose book Ay Ya Yai! Miss Lou: Voice of the Jamaican People has been recognised as a Distinguished Favorite in the NYC Big Book Award. 🎉

This recognition is especially meaningful because the award evaluates traditionally published and self-published books side by side, holding all works to the same high standards. Judges assess each submission across three categories:

• Presentation
• Editorial quality
• Audience appeal

For publishers, these elements form the backbone of a successful book. To see Ay Ya Yai! acknowledged at this level confirms both the strength of Tania’s work and the enduring importance of her subject: Jamaica’s cultural icon, Louise Bennett Coverley, affectionately known as Miss Lou.

As the book’s editor and publisher at Mixed Heritage Press, it was a privilege to help bring this manuscript to life. From first drafts to final design, the journey of shaping Tania’s tribute into a finished book was deeply rewarding. To see it recognised by this respected panel is a very proud moment.

To place this achievement in context, last year’s recipient of the same award was American historian David Pietrusza, celebrated for Gangsterland: A Tour Through the Dark Heart of Jazz-Age New York City. Pietrusza’s reputation as a leading authority on U.S. political history demonstrates the calibre of authors who share this accolade.

However, the significance of Ay Ya Yai! extends far beyond the award. The book has recently been added to the Miss Lou Collection at McMaster University’s Mills Memorial Library in Canada.

McMaster, one of Canada’s leading research institutions, houses a wealth of collections connecting scholars, students, and communities with histories that matter. Among them, the Miss Lou Collection holds particular importance, safeguarding the papers, recordings, and creative works of Louise Bennett Coverley. To have Tania’s book placed within this archive ensures that her contemporary reflection on Miss Lou’s legacy will sit alongside the poet’s own works. It expands the collection, offering future researchers, readers, and cultural historians a vital bridge between homeland and diaspora.

For Mixed Heritage Press, this placement embodies our mission to champion voices that cross borders and generations. The inclusion of Ay Ya Yai! in such a respected archive means it will not only be celebrated today but preserved as a cultural resource for tomorrow.

Tania’s book has also received wider recognition, including the International Impact Book Award in the Historical category. She is currently a nominee for the Jamaica Diaspora Impact Awards 2025, further cementing the resonance of her work both within and beyond the Caribbean diaspora.

For us, Tania’s journey represents the very heart of our mission. Ay Ya Yai! Miss Lou: Voice of the Jamaican People is more than a book; it is a cultural contribution, a historical marker, and now, an award-winning title. It reminds us why representation in publishing matters and why stories rooted in heritage and community deserve to be celebrated on the global stage.

We are proud to publish authors like Tania Hernandez, whose work reminds us of the richness within our communities. Her tribute to Miss Lou – poet, folklorist, and cultural revolutionist – ensures that Jamaican heritage and language continue to inspire and educate.

At Mixed Heritage Press, we will continue to nurture and amplify stories that bridge continents, communities, and generations. Stories like Tania’s that remind us of the power of literature to preserve culture, celebrate identity, and connect us all. If you are working on a manuscript and are seeking guidance in editing, publishing, or positioning your book for success, we invite you to reach out for a book publishing consultation.

And of course, we encourage you to support Tania Hernandez’s award-winning work. Ay Ya Yai! Miss Lou: Voice of the Jamaican People is available now on Amazon, and will soon be available through Barnes & Noble.