2Leaf Press, Inc. (2LP Inc.) is a Florida-based nonprofit organization established in January 2019 as a 501(c)(3) entity to manage its primary initiative, 2Leaf Press. The origins of 2LP Inc. are closely connected to the creation of phati’tude Literary Magazine and eventually The Intercultural Alliance of Artists & Scholars, Inc. (IAAS).
In 1996, Gabrielle David identified a gap in the literary community where multicultural writers were either intentionally excluded or overlooked. To address this, she launched phati’tude Literary Magazine, a publication designed to challenge the conventions of literary journals at the time by amplifying the voices of a broader range of diverse artists. The magazine’s name, derived from slang with “phat” meaning “emphatic” and “tude” short for “attitude,” reflected its mission to foster a strong, assertive approach to contemporary literature. This initiative also supported the literary arts programming David had developed in the early 1990s at the Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center/Queens Library in Corona, New York.
The original logo and artwork of The Intercultural Alliance of Artists & Scholars, Inc. circa 2001.
David established innovative collaborations with various organizations, including the Asian American Writers’ Workshop and Barnes & Noble, creating literary events in the New York/New Jersey region featuring many writers who contributed to phati’tude Literary Magazine. The magazine rapidly evolved into a community comprising teachers, professors, poets, writers, activists, students, and business professionals, all committed to artistic and cultural expression for the greater good. However, as costs increased, producing the magazine became more challenging. After several years of personally funding and managing the debt, David concluded that the magazine would thrive better under a nonprofit organization. Consequently, in 2000, the Intercultural Alliance of Artists & Scholars, Inc. (IAAS) was established.
The IAAS was founded by a diverse group of individuals from various ethnic and geographic backgrounds, representing the business, artistic, educational, and literary sectors. These board members recognized the need to offer literary artists and the public engaging programming beyond the limitations of mainstream media, aiming to make multicultural literature and literacy more accessible.
One of the first projects undertaken by the newly established IAAS was the creation of phatLiterature, A Literary TV Show (now called phati’tude Literary TV Show) in 2002. The program, hosted and produced by Nathalie Handel and Gabrielle David, the were also co-produced by former board members Shirley Bradley LeFlore and José Angel Figueroa. In its early phase, phatLiterature received financial backing through grants and in-kind production services, resulting in thirteen episodes filmed before a live studio audience at the Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center/Queens Library between 2002 and 2004. The show featured interviews with writers and poets and supported local visual artists by using the set designs as galleries during the recordings. A key feature of the program was a 60-second segment called VISUAL SIGNATURES, which aired in every episode. phatLiterature was broadcast on over 50 public access and college stations across the U.S. and Canada, reaching an audience of about 12 million viewers.
To enhance the brand, under the guidance of former board member Michelle S. Aragón, the IAAS developed the “phati’tude Programs,” which included the phati’tude Language & Literary Arts Curriculum (phatLLAC) and Real Poetry, Real Talk @The Bowery in New York City. In 2011, we organized the inaugural African American Literary Festival in Queens, New York, at the Langston Hughes Library during Black History month. One of our co-producers was the late Louis Reyes Rivera, who also conducted a workshop and led a panel discussion. The festival was supported by the National Writers Union (NWA), HarperCollins Publishers, Scholastic, Inc., Duke University Press, Pepsi Bottling Company of New York, and Frito-Lay, with additional funding from the Queens Council on the Arts, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and private contributions. When Rivera unexpectedly died during the preparations for the second festival, it was called off and we lost our drive to continue forward.
Celebrating 2Leaf Press’ Tenth Anniversary featuring poet and scholar Tara Betts.
After celebrating 2Leaf Press’s tenth anniversary in 2022, we have successfully released 56 print books and 40 eBooks, highlighting the work of 31 authors and featuring contributions from over 200 writers in our 2LP EXPLORATIONS IN DIVERSITY series. Additionally, numerous individuals have provided forewords, prefaces, introductions, and afterwords for some of these titles. 2Leaf Press has also published books in the NUYORICAN WORLD SERIES, 2LP TRANSLATIONS, and 2LP CLASSICS collections. While this is a significant milestone, we are excited to accomplish even more in the future. Currently, we are planning audiobook releases, preparing several podcasts, a docuseries, and the 2LP App. Additionally, we will continue managing and providing access to phati’tude Literary Magazine, with plans to reintroduce all ten issues as educational resources.
For nearly two decades, the IAAS has earned a strong reputation for organizing dynamic and innovative literary programs that engage the public with diverse perspectives on important issues. 2LP Inc. continues the IAAS’s dedication to publishing and promoting multicultural poets, writers, scholars, and artists across various media, addressing cultural and social justice topics through poetry and nonfiction. We invite you to join us and support our mission!
