Black Mamas ATX and Torch Literary Arts organized a poetry night in recognition of Black Maternal Health Week and in celebration of National Poetry Month.
by: Eniola Longe, Apr 14, 2023
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Black Mamas ATX and Torch Literary Arts organized a poetry night in recognition of Black Maternal Health Week and in celebration of National Poetry Month.
‘Breaking Water: An evening of poetry and storytelling’ was inspired by Wangechi Mutu’s Water Woman, and spoke to Black women’s physical and mythical connection to water, specifically during and around the process of childbirth.
‘Breaking Water’ highlighted the power of art to raise awareness and called others to choose change. Tova Charles, Jennine ‘Doc’ Krueger, and Qi Dada of Riders Against the Storm shared original poetry along with birth storytellers from Black Mamas ATX.
Torch Literary Arts’ mission to “promote the work of Black women by publishing and promoting creative writing by emerging and experienced writers alike” aligns with Black Mamas ATX’s goal to reduce and ultimately eliminate the alarming maternal mortality and morbidity rates among Black women.
Black Mamas ATX’s goal is to reduce and ultimately eliminate the alarming maternal mortality and morbidity rates among Black women. Through programs, increased awareness, training, outreach, and research, Black Mamas ATX is leading the charge in Central Texas to help Black mothers get the education and access to resources needed to have healthy pregnancies and birthing experiences.
Torch Literary Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit 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 Toi Derricotte, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, Elizabeth Alexander, and others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, writing workshops, and retreats.