Jun 1, 2026
This June, we’re celebrating queerness, Black Texans, Caribbean heritage, and lyricists who bring their magic and impact to the Torch community.
Every June, Torch is elated to celebrate the intersectionalities of the Black women writers in our community. Every word written and shared by our community members honors parts of their identity that make their unique work so memorable. This June, we’re celebrating Juneteenth, Pride Month, Caribbean Heritage Month, and Black Music Month at Torch.
As a Black-led and serving nonprofit organization based in Texas, our celebration of Juneteenth is nothing new. Before Juneteenth was a federal holiday, it was a celebration of freedom, community, and strength for Black Texans everywhere. While we recognize how monumental and important Juneteenth is, we also acknowledge the work we must do together to continue freeing ourselves.
Pride Month is also celebrated every June at Torch. We love celebrating our staff, writers, and community members who live their lives fully and proudly, providing readers and supporters a safe space to learn, exist, and expand. Queer Black women and nonbinary writers are critical to challenging us to truly understand radical existence outside of the constructs of gender, love, power, and sexuality.
As a nonprofit committed to amplifying work across the Black diaspora, we’re proud to wish a Happy Caribbean Heritage Month to our Caribbean community. Amplifying their voices through our magazine and events highlights the need to learn from each other. Each definitive experience reminds us of how connected and dynamic we are.
In celebration of Black Music Month, we want to thank the Black women lyricists who merge their writing with melody and music. Without Black music, and music from Black women in particular, the art form wouldn’t have the full depth and soulfulness that moves us today.
Want to celebrate the work we’re doing to amplify Black women writers? Consider becoming a Community Impact Member (CIM) by donating at least $10 a month or $100 annually.
Below are a few ways you can celebrate each month with us.
Celebrate Juneteenth: Attend These Torch Events
June 8th – Torch Writing Circle
June 17th – In Conversation with Jacqueline Glover
June 19th – Torch x AFS Screening: NATCHEZ
Celebrate Pride Month: Read Work from Some of Torch Magazine’s Queer Features
Celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month: Read Work from Some of Torch Magazine’s Caribbean Features
Celebrate Black Music Month: Read Work from Some of Torch Magazine’s Songwriters
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About Torch Literary Arts
Torch Literary Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established with love and intention in 2006 to publish and promote creative writing by Black women. We publish contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers alike. Torch has featured work by Toi Derricotte, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, Elizabeth Alexander, and others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, workshops, an annual retreat, and special events.
Help Torch continue to publish and promote Black women writers by donating today.
Media Contact Information:
Brittany Heckard
Communications Associate
bheckard@torchliteraryarts.org
(512) 641-9251