Carrying the Torch

Join Torch Literary Arts for the 2nd Annual Carrying the Torch: A Reading and Remembrance for the Future. This special event acknowledges the historical significance of Juneteenth and celebrates the accomplishments of the African American community. Poets, writers, and guest speakers will share original work to acknowledge the federal holiday and celebrate the future of African Americans in Texas.

Note: This event takes place at 2 locations. 

7 pm - Texas African American History Memorial at the Texas Capitol (speeches & readings) 

8 pm - African American Cultural and Historical Facility (readings, dancing, and food) 

Questions? Email contact@torchliteraryarts.org 

Torch Literary Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established to publish and promote creative writing by Black women. We publish contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers alike. TORCH has featured work by Colleen J. McElroy, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, Elizabeth Alexander, and others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, writing workshops, and retreats. 

This workshop is made possible with support from the Austin Cultural Arts Division, the Burdine Johnson Foundation, the ACF Black Fund, the Poetry Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Texas Capitol Grounds, and the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility. Special thanks to Rep. James Talarico for sponsoring this event at the Capitol.