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Latest News Apr 2, 2026 Celebrating 20 Years of Highlighting Black Women in Poetry Torch is elated to celebrate National Poetry Month and the Black women poets in our community. Read More Mar 31, 2026 Torch Literary Arts Announces New Board Member Dalia Azim joins the Torch board, bringing her expertise in literary programming and partnerships in the Austin literary community. Read More Mar 12, 2026 Torch Literary Arts to Open Registration for “A Gathering of Flames: Celebrating 20 Years of Torch Literary Arts” on March 16th The inaugural gala and conference will feature Rachel Eliza Griffiths, Sharon Bridgforth, Patricia Smith, and Crystal Wilkinson from September 25-27, 2026, in Austin, Texas. Read More Mar 6, 2026 Celebrating Women and a Sustainable Future with Torch This year’s Women’s History Month Theme urges us to celebrate women who are taking charge in regard to sustainability, and this International Women’s Day urges us to give to gain. Read More Mar 3, 2026 Torch Returns to the 2026 AWP Conference in Baltimore For four days, Torch will join other writing organizations, writers, publishers, students, and more at the largest literary conference in the country. Read More Feb 27, 2026 Torch Literary Arts Welcomes New Team Member Torch adds a new position, Administrative Associate, to help with daily operations and support the needs of Torch Center. Read More Feb 5, 2026 Austin Film Society Joins Torch Literary Arts as New Community Partners The two organizations will amplify a series of film screenings showcasing Black women screenwriters, directors, and films that reflect Black culture. Read More Feb 1, 2026 Celebrating the Milestones of Community and History through Literary Greatness and Storytelling this Black History Month This year’s Black History Month theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” urges us to acknowledge the historical impact of Black narratives. Read More Jan 29, 2026 Kicking Off 20 Years with the Spring 2026 Season Torch’s Spring 2026 Season builds on the history we've made in our 20 years of strengthening the literary community of Black women writers. Read More Jan 29, 2026 Important Transitions to Torch's Board of Directors This board transition includes the retirement of former board treasurer, Candace Lopez, election of new board treasurer, Dana Weekes, and the election of new board secretary, Rachel Winston. Read More Jan 28, 2026 Torch to Raise $10,000 during one of Austin’s Largest Giving Days Torch joins over 700 nonprofits during Amplify Austin to raise funds for Black women writers. Read More Jan 2, 2026 Celebrating a New Year with a Growing Community Taking the time to thank you all for your support in 2025 and share exciting news for 2026. Read More Dec 29, 2025 Ending the Year Strong with Community Impact and Growth Taking time to thank you all for your support in 2025 and share plans to end the year strong. Read More Dec 9, 2025 A Big Thank You to Our Major Funders In 2025, seven major funders supported Torch’s mission to amplify Black women writers. Read More Dec 5, 2025 Torch Raises $5,593 for 2025 GivingTuesday Campaign Joining one of the largest international giving days, Torch raised $5,593. Read More Dec 1, 2025 Torch Announces the 2025 Nominations for the Pushcart Prize Six Torch Features, Jordan E. Franklin, Joi' C Weathers, Imani Nikelle, Yolanda Kwadey, Jennifer Maritza McCauley, and Marchaé Grair are nominated for their respective works. Read More Nov 19, 2025 Torch Literary Arts Celebrates GivingTuesday with a Board Match, Supporter Toolkit, Giveaway, and More. Torch is joining millions around the world participating in the global generosity movement on December 2, 2025. Read More Nov 5, 2025 Torch Literary Arts Returns as a Partnering Organization for the 2025 Texas Book Festival Over two days, Torch will host poets Tiana Clark and Donika Kelly in Austin for a series of inspiring readings and conversations. Read More Oct 22, 2025 Torch Literary Arts Announces Transitions to 2025 Board of Directors This board transition includes the retirement of former board secretary, Stephanie Lang, and the election of new board member, Rachel Winston Read More Oct 15, 2025 Torch Announces the 2025 Nominations for the O. Henry Prize Two Torch Features, Jennifer Coley and Jessica Araújo, are nominated for their respective short fiction stories. Read More Oct 9, 2025 Celebrating the Second Annual Donor-Advised Funds Day Torch Literary Arts encourages families and individuals with donor-advised funds to consider supporting Black women writers and the programs we offer. Read More Sep 16, 2025 Torch Announces the Nominations for the Best of the Net Eleven Torch Features were nominated for their works in creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and visual art in Torch Magazine. Read More Sep 2, 2025 Torch Literary Arts Announces the Torch Center Coming Fall 2025 The local Austin nonprofit organization dedicated to building community for Black women writers will now have a physical location at the LINC of Austin. Read More Aug 28, 2025 Torch Literary Arts Releases Fall 2025 Season Torch’s Fall 2025 Season includes dynamic readings, a screenwriting conversation, book festivals, workshops, and more! Read More Aug 20, 2025 Torch Announces 2026 Dates for 20th Anniversary Celebration “A Gathering of Flames” will take place in Austin, Texas, from September 25 to 27, 2026, celebrating Black women writers and 20 years of Torch’s growing community. Read More Aug 1, 2025 Celebrating Torch and Black Philanthropy Month All August Long Torch is celebrating 19 years of community and impact with CIM goals, new updates, and more! Read More Jun 5, 2025 Celebrating the Intersectionalities of Black Women Writers June is a month full of pride for queer, Caribbean, and song-filled Black women writers and the readers who love them. Read More May 28, 2025 Torch Announces New Community Impact Member Donation Initiative The Community Impact Membership (CIM) program provides Torch’s monthly donors of at least $10 and annual donors of at least $100 with exclusive items and updates. Read More Apr 24, 2025 Torch Announces the 2025 Retreat Fellows Torch returns for a third consecutive year to host eight fellows at their annual retreat for Black women writers at the Colton House in Austin, Texas, from July 20-27, 2025. Read More Apr 1, 2025 Celebrating Black Women's Contributions to Poetry All Month Long Continuing on months of celebrating Black History Month and Women’s History Month, we’re keeping the acknowledgments alive with National Poetry Month Read More Mar 27, 2025 Torch Literary Arts Awarded AWP Writing Organization Award This is the first-ever Writing Organization Award by the Association of Writers & Writing Programs, which is awarded to literary organizations based on the legacy of writing organization advocate Kurt Brown. Read More Mar 17, 2025 Torch Literary Arts Recognized at the Ireland House During SXSW with Prime Minister of Ireland Micheál Martin Torch’s “Writers Across the Diaspora” program in partnership with the Irish Consulate, Culture Ireland, and Texas State University was highlighted. Read More Mar 11, 2025 Celebrating Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day This year’s themes of moving forward together and accelerating change reinforce Torch’s mission to ALWAYS support Black women writers and the stories they share. Read More Mar 7, 2025 Torch Raises over $6,000 during Amplify Austin Campaign Joining over 700 nonprofits for one of the largest giving days in Central Texas, Torch raised over $6,000 to amplify Black women writers worldwide. Read More Feb 10, 2025 Help Torch Raise $10,000 during Amplify Austin’s 2025 Giving Campaign! For the third year in a row, Torch is participating in Austin’s metro-wide giving day to merge the Black women literary community with the wider Austin giving community. Read More Feb 10, 2025 Wintergreen Women Writers Collective and Torch Literary Arts Partner to Host Welcome Table Talks Series featuring Black Women Writers The two literary organizations dedicated to creating community for Black women writers will host a series of talks over the next three years thanks to funding from the Mellon Foundation. Read More Jan 31, 2025 Celebrating Black History Month by Acknowledging Black Women Writers and Their Contributions to Literature Torch is using this year’s Black History Month theme “African Americans and Labor” to highlight the literary work we do to share our voices. Read More Jan 24, 2025 Torch Literary Arts Announces 2025 Spring Season Torch’s 2025 Spring Season is full of community collaborations, readings, writing workshops, and more to empower and encourage Black women to continue telling their stories. Read More Jan 10, 2025 Torch Literary Arts to Open Applications for the 2025 Torch Retreat on February 3rd The Torch Retreat will host its third annual writing retreat for Black women writers at the Colton House in Austin, Texas from July 20-27, 2025. Read More Jan 3, 2025 City of Austin Cultural Arts Division Awards Torch Literary Arts the Thrive Grant along with Other Cultural Arts Organizations in Austin The Cultural Arts Division awarded $13 million in funds to local arts and cultural organizations for a second year with Thrive and Elevate grants. Read More Jan 3, 2025 Torch Literary Arts Announces Retirement of Board Member Dr. Omi Osun Joni L. Jones Dr. Omi Osun Joni L. Jones joined the board in 2023 bringing her expertise as an artist, performer, author, and scholar to help support Black women writers. Read More Jan 3, 2025 Welcoming the New Year with Love and Community Taking the time to thank you all for your support in 2024 and share exciting news for 2025 Read More Dec 12, 2024 'Tis the Season for Gifts & Giving Find out how to support Torch and our community sponsors and supporters this holiday season! Read More Dec 4, 2024 Torch Surpasses Fundraising Goal for 2024 GivingTuesday Campaign Joining one of the largest international giving days, Torch surpassed its fundraising goal of $5,000. Read More Nov 22, 2024 Torch Literary Arts Celebrates GivingTuesday with Community and Board Matches, Ignite the Night, and More. Torch is joining millions around the world participating in the global generosity movement on December 3, 2024. Read More Nov 22, 2024 Torch Announces the Nominations for the Pushcart Prize Six Torch Features, Erica Frederick, A. E. Wynter, Sydney Mayes, Chidima Anekwe, Chyann Hector, and Mon Misir, are nominated for their respective works. Read More Nov 15, 2024 Torch Executive Director and Features Named as Brooks Living Legacy Honorees 20 Torch community members were named Living Legacy Honorees Read More Nov 1, 2024 Torch Literary Arts to Celebrate and Amplify Black Women Writers During the 2024 Texas Book Festival Over two days, Torch will host poet, essayist, and novelist Morgan Parker and Los Angeles Poet Laureate Lynne Thompson, and embark on a literary book crawl showcasing the works of the organization’s previous features. Read More Oct 18, 2024 Torch Literary Arts Welcomes New Team Members Thanks to capacity-building funding, Torch adds a Creative Content Associate and Administrative Fellow to the Team. Read More Oct 7, 2024 Celebrating National Book Month with Torch Literary Arts This October, Torch is celebrating National Book Month with Torch Day, an inaugural international program, and much more! Read More Sep 6, 2024 Torch Announces the Nominations for the Best of the Net Nine Torch Features were nominated for their works in creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and visual art in Torch Magazine. Read More Sep 5, 2024 Torch Literary Arts Receives National Book Foundation Grant The National Book Foundation awarded Torch funding from the Capacity-Building Grant Program. Read More Aug 30, 2024 Torch Announces the Nominations for the O. Henry Prize Two Torch Features, Felicia A. Rivers and Lydia Mathis, are nominated for their respective short fiction stories. Read More Aug 29, 2024 Torch Literary Arts Releases 2024 Fall Season Torch’s 2024 Fall Season includes international poets, a screenwriting panel, workshops on character building and memoirs, the Wildfire Reading Series, and more! Read More Aug 2, 2024 Celebrate Torch’s 18th Birthday & Our Mission to Amplify Black Women Writers Our wish this August is to gain 18 new monthly recurring Torch supporters & more! Find out how to celebrate our birthday with events, well wishes, and donations. Read More Jul 19, 2024 Torch Literary Arts Welcomes Erin Waelder to the Board of Directors Erin was welcomed to the board in June, bringing her extensive background in development communications. Read More Jul 12, 2024 Torch Literary Arts Receives Poetry Foundation Grant Torch Literary Arts (Torch), a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying Black women writers, will receive funding from the Poetry Foundation. This is the nonprofit’s second year receiving funding from the foundation. Read More Jun 28, 2024 Torch Literary Arts Receives Burdine Johnson Foundation Grant This is Torch's third year receiving the grant that serves Central Texas arts, education, historical preservation, and environmental sustainability causes. Read More Jun 5, 2024 Celebrate Pride Month by Amplifying Queer Black Voices At Torch, we recognize the many impactful contributions that queer Black women writers have given us and wish a Happy Pride to all those celebrating! Read More May 31, 2024 Torch Feature Yael Valencia Aldana Receives Pushcart Prize For the second year in a row, a Torch Feature has received a Pushcart Prize for their amazing work published in Torch Magazine. Read More May 24, 2024 Torch Literary Arts to Receive Grants for Arts Allocation from the National Endowment for the Arts This is Torch's second year receiving funding from National Endowment for the Arts. Funding will go towards artist honorariums for retreats, workshops, panels, and readings. Read More Apr 12, 2024 Torch Announces the 2024 Retreat Fellows Eight fellows were selected to attend the second annual retreat for Black women writers at the Colton House in Austin, Texas from July 21-28, 2024. Read More Apr 11, 2024 Torch Literary Arts Welcomes Dana Weekes to Board of Directors Dana Weekes was welcomed to the board in March, bringing her extensive background in law and policy, and commitment to creation as self-care. Read More Apr 5, 2024 Celebrating National Poetry Month with an Ode to Poets Every April, Torch is elated to celebrate the Black women who put words to feelings by celebrating National Poetry Month Read More Mar 22, 2024 Website Updates: New Transparency Documents, Including Three-Year Strategic Plan Torch Literary Arts updates website to include transparency documents including IRS Form 990s, Annual Reports, and the 2024-2026 Strategic Plan. Read More Mar 8, 2024 Celebrating Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day Torch Literary Arts acknowledges and celebrates the many literary contributions of women to history and the wonderful Black women writers across the diaspora. Read More Feb 16, 2024 Torch Literary Arts Opens Applications for the 2024 Torch Retreat The Torch Retreat will host its second annual writing retreat for Black women writers at the Colton House in Austin, Texas from July 21-28, 2024. Read More Feb 9, 2024 Celebrating Black History & Futures 24/7, 366 days This Black History Month, Torch acknowledges the importance of amplifying Black women writers year-round. Read More Jan 30, 2024 Austin Community Foundation Announces Torch Literary Arts as one of The Black Fund Grant Partners The Black Fund’s recognition of Torch Literary Arts as a grant partner allows Torch to continue hosting special events for Black women writers in the Austin community. Read More Jan 26, 2024 Torch Literary Arts Unveils 2024 Spring Season Torch’s 2024 Spring Season is full of workshops, panels, an interactive literary cooking event, and much more to help Black women writers share their unique stories. Read More Jan 16, 2024 Torch Literary Arts Announces Transitions to 2024 Board of Directors This year’s board transition includes the retirement of former board chair, Florinda Bryant, and elections of new board chair, Dr. Sequoia Maner, new secretary, Stephanie Lang, and new board member, Shannon Johnson Read More Jan 9, 2024 Culture Ireland Awards Torch Literary Arts Funding to Host Irish Poets Torch will use the Culture Ireland funding to host Irish poets Nithy Kasa and FELISPEAKS for interactive writing workshops from October 1-7, 2024. Read More

< Back Torch Literary Arts Announces New Board Member Mar 31, 2026 Dalia Azim joins the Torch board, bringing her expertise in literary programming and partnerships in the Austin literary community. Torch is excited to add another member to the Board of Directors. This month, we’re welcoming Dalia Azim to the board. As an organization dedicated to literary excellence, we’re excited to welcome a local board member who is an active leader in the literary community. Dalia Azim was born in Canada and raised in the United States. Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times, American Short Fiction, and Poets & Writers, among other places. Her first novel, Country of Origin , was published in 2022 and received the Discovery Award from the Writers' League of Texas. Dalia lives in Austin, Texas, with her family and is the Chief Operating Officer of the Texas Book Festival. “Dalia has been a longtime Torch supporter personally and professionally through the Texas Book Festival. The partnerships and collaborations created in Austin’s literary arts community strengthen the ecosystem of writers in our city,” said executive director Amanda Johnston. “ Dalia’s experience in the literary community provides the operational and programmatic guidance we want on our board,” said board chair, Dr. Sequoia Maner. “We look forward to working together to support Torch’s mission to amplify and uplift Black women writers.” For more information about Torch Literary Arts and our team, please visit https://www.torchliteraryarts.org/team or follow @torchliteraryarts on Instagram. ### About Torch Literary Arts Torch Literary Arts (Torch) 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, writing workshops, and retreats. 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 Previous Next

The Team Amanda Johnston Founder / Executive Director Read More Sierra Lewis Administrative Associate Read More Dana Weekes Board Treasurer Read More Dalia Azim Board Member Read More Jen Margulies Advisory Board Member Read More Brittany Heckard Communications Associate Read More Dr. Sequoia Maner Board Chair Read More Shannon Johnson Board Member Read More Hallie S. Hobson Advisory Board Member Read More Sheree L. Ross Advisory Board Member Read More Jae Nichelle Associate Editor Read More Rachel E. Winston Board Secretary Read More Erin Waelder Board Member Read More Raina Fields Advisory Board Member Read More Parneshia Jones Advisory Board Member Read More

< Back Dalia Azim Board Member Dalia Azim is a writer born in Canada and raised in the United States. Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post , The New York Times , American Short Fiction , and Poets & Writers , among other places. Her first novel, Country of Origin , was published in 2022 and received the Discovery Award from the Writers’ League of Texas. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her family and is the COO of the Texas Book Festival.

< Back Celebrating 20 Years of Highlighting Black Women in Poetry Apr 2, 2026 Torch is elated to celebrate National Poetry Month and the Black women poets in our community. 20 years ago, Torch was founded by poet Amanda Johnston to celebrate and foster an international community of Black women writers. Torch grew into an ecosystem for Black women across the diaspora to share their stories. For us, National Poetry Month is a full-circle moment celebrating Black women’s words. This April, we’re also celebrating poets like Dr. Malika Booker, who was this year’s visiting writer from our Writers Across the Diaspora series. Now in our third year, we’ve been fortunate to share stories from poets not only in Central Texas but from around the world. April is also International Black Women’s History Month , a time to celebrate Black women across the diaspora and to embrace our achievements, rich history, and bright futures. This year, celebrating International Black Women’s History Month is near and dear to our hearts as we embark on 20 years of consistently and intentionally amplifying Black women writers. You can celebrate National Poetry Month, perfect your craft, and join us on Torch’s journey to celebrate 20 years by attending our events and reading from some groundbreaking poetry below. Events April 6th - Writing Circle April 12th - Wildfire Reading Series with Chiagoziem Jideofor and Host Publications April 18th - Colored People’s Time (CPT) is Real Time: Afrofuturism, the Speculative, the Surreal & the Fantastic Torch Magazine Read our April Feature, Dr. Malika Booker Read poetry by our Friday Features Watch on YouTube Wildfire Reading Series with Ebony Stewart An Evening with Tiana Clark and Donika Kelly Throwback to Jasmine Games Reading for Torch Day at BookPeople! You can also support Torch’s mission to amplify Black women writers and the poets we feature by donating to our organization . Previous Next

Torch Literary Arts delivers quality programs including the Wildfire Reading Series, creative writing and professional events, an annual retreat for Black women writers with works-in-progress, and special events. Programs To fulfill our mission to create advancement opportunities for Black women writers, Torch Literary Arts offers a variety of impactful programs for emerging and experienced writers. Programs are provided at no or low cost to increase access to literary arts. Torch is a resource and destination for those who value inclusive creative communities and diverse voices in literature. We look forward to seeing you at future events! Torch Retreat An annual retreat for Black women writers with major works-in-progress. Torch's annual, fully funded, week-long retreat welcomes eight creative writing fellows selected by application. Each year in July, writers with projects across poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and script (plays and screenplays) gather in Austin, TX for dedicated writing time and space to imagine, dream, rest, and fellowship with others. A public reading is held at the end of the week to share their developing works with the local Central Texas community. Learn More Wildfire Reading Series Live readings featuring notable authors. Celebrating emerging and established authors, the Wildfire Reading Series promotes books by Black women writers in partnership with independent bookstores. Previous features include Kendra Allen, Crystal Wilkinson, Renée Watson, Kelis Rowe, LaToya Watkins, and others. Workshops Creative & Professional Development Generative workshops to inspire all experience levels. Our creative writing workshops are open to BIPOC women writers and are designed and facilitated by experienced writers and educators. Previous workshop facilitators include Anastacia-Reneé, Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, Bev Chukwu, Faylita Hicks, KB Brookins, Victoria Newton Ford, Remica Bingham-Risher, and others. Writers Across the Diaspora Amplifying Black women writers across the diaspora. Torch Literary Arts is a global resource and destination. Writers Across the Diaspora showcases international writers through a week of programs in Central Texas in partnership with Texas State University and local and international partners. Launched in 2024 with support from Culture Ireland and the Consulate General of Ireland - Austin, Torch welcomed Irish poets Nithy Kasa and FELISPEAKS and curated public readings, craft talks, workshops, and networking opportunities. In Conversation Series Industry and craft talks with the experts. Thought-provoking conversations from leaders across the literary landscape on topics that inform and move the culture from page to public media. Torch is proud to partner with the Wintergreen Women Writers Collective for a three-year collaboration as part of the series called the Welcome Table Talks . The virtual discussions will cover various topics related to organization building, literary freedom, legacy, and more. The virtual discussions are free and open to all. Writing Circle Bimonthly writing circle for BIPOC womxn. Join writers from around the world twice a month for dedicated time to write in community with others. Try the prompt provided or work on a writing project. We'll hold the space and time for you! Click here to sign up for the Writing Circle. Torch Magazine The award-winning digital publication of Torch. Torch Magazine publishes emerging and established Black women writers from across the diaspora. Selected features receive $150 and have their work promoted and archived online. We accept submissions of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and script (plays and screenplays) for consideration. Click here to read Torch Magazine and review submission guidelines. Special Events Increasing access to literature for all. Torch works with community partners to deliver exceptional literary events that increase access to literature while amplifying Black women writers. Torch is a proud community partner of the Texas Book Festival and moderates panels and curates readings that highlight notable authors during the festival, which attracts over 50,000 attendees annually. Torch also delivers special events with other community partners, including the Carver Museum, the African American Culture and Heritage Facility, and others.

Torch Literary Arts publishes creative writing by Black women online. We curate public events including our Wildfire Reading Series and offer workshops and retreats. Introducing our law firm Amplifying Black Women Writers 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 emerging and experienced writers alike. Torch Magazine 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, retreats, and special events. Torch Magazine Read Online March 2026 Feature: Bettina Judd Bettina Judd is the award-winning author of Feelin: Creative Practice, Pleasure, and Black Feminist Thought and patient. Bettina Judd is an interdisciplinary writer, artist and performer whose research focus is on Black women's creative production and use of visual art, literature, and music to develop feminist thought. Her book Feelin: Creative Practice, Pleasure, and Black Feminist Thought (Northwestern University Press, December 2022) argues that Black women’s creative p Friday Feature: Testimony Odey Temidayo Testimony Omali Odey , also known as Testimony Odey, is a graduate of English and Literature from the University of Benin. Her writing has been published in magazines and journals, including The Deadlands , Poetry Pause , The FEMINIST Magazine , Brittle Paper , Kalahari Review , Eco-Instigator , Akéwì Magazine , Rising Phoenix Review , and PoeticAfrica . Her work maps the complexities of the human experience, exploring identity, culture, and emotion through lenses o 2025 Torch Visual Artist: Nitashia Johnson Nitashia Johnson is a multimedia visual artist and educator from Dallas, Texas whose work has been exhibited across Texas and internationally. To care about stories is to care about the world, and understanding our own gives us purpose. For as long as she can remember, storytelling through art has been Nitashia Johnson’s way of understanding the world around her and her place within it. As a multidisciplinary artist and educator from Dallas, Texas, her journey since life st EVENTS ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Read News Learn More

Torch Literary Arts' digital publication, Torch Magazine, publishes, promotes, and archives creative writing by Black women. Archive Explore Torch Features from 2022 to the present. Click images below for Torch Magazine 2006 to 2016. *All back issues are being reformatted. Digital versions will be available. Subscribe to our e-newsletter for updates. Torch Magazine Features A. E. Wynter Adriene Cruz Adrienne Dawes Aisha Sharif Ajanaé Dawkins Alexa Patrick Alexis Pauline Gumbs Alma Simba Almah LaVon Rice Ambata Kazi-Nance Amina Gautier Ana-Maurine Lara Anastacia-Reneé Andrea "Vocab" Sanderson Angel C. Dye Angela Redmond-Theodore April Sojourner Truth Walker Ari Foster Ariana Brown Arianne Elena Payne Aricka Foreman Ariel Moniz Arisa White Ashunda Norris Benin Lemus Bettina Judd Beverly Chukwu Bianca Spriggs Boloere Seibidor Brandy Victoria Brianna Johnson Brittany Rogers C. Prudence Arceneaux C. Jean Blain c.r. glasgow Camara Aaron Camille Hernandez Camille Dungy Carletta Carrington Wilson Celeste Doaks Chanda Feldman Chantal James Charla Lauriston Chidima Anekwe Chiyuma Elliott Christina Springer Chyann Hector Cieara Estelle Cindy Elizabeth Clynthia Burton Graham Colleen J. McElroy Crystal Wilkinson Crystal Williams Cynthia Manick Damilola Omotoyinbo Dana Tenille Weekes darlene anita scott Dawn Okoro Deborah Mouton DeLana Dameron Demitrice Worley DeShara Shuggs-Joe Desiree S. Evans Destiny Birdsong devorah major Donika Kelly Dolen Perkins-Valdez E.J. Antonio Ebony Stewart Edythe Rodriguez Ehigbor Okosun Elisha Mykelti Elizabeth Alexander Elizabeth de Souza Erica Fredrick Erica Nicole Griffin Esther Kondo Heller Evie Shockley Fatihah Quadri Fatimah-Ayan Hirsi Faylita Hicks Felicia A. Rivers francine j. harris Gail Upchurch Glenis Redmond Hannah Olabosibe Eko Hermine Pinson Imani Nikelle Isha Camara Jacinda Townsend Jacquese Armstrong Jade Foster Jamey Hatley Jane Alberdeston Coralin Jasmine R Butler Jenelle Samuels Jennifer Coley Jennifer Falu Jennifer Price Jessica Araújo Jonterri Gadson Jordan E. Franklin Julia Mallory Juliet P. Howard K. Deneá Stewart-Shaheed Ka'Dia Dhatnubia Kailah Figueroa Kameryn Alexa Carter Katy Richey Keli Stewart Kelly Norman Ellis Kelly Harris DeBerry Khadijah AbdulHaqq Khalisa Rae Kimberly Dixon Kindall Gant Krista Franklin LaTasha N. Nevada Diggs LaToya Watkins Lauren K. Alleyne Lauri Conner Lenelle Moïse Lilian Oben Linda Susan Jackson Lisa B. Thompson Lor Clincy Lydia Mathis Lynne Thompson Madison Hunter Mahogany L. Browne Mary Weems Mecca Jamilah Sullivan Melanie Henderson Melissa Jones Metta Sama Mildred Lewis Mon Misir Monique Harris Monique-Adelle Callahan Nadia Alexis Nancy Shakir Natalie Graham Natasha Trethewey Natasha Ria El-Scari Natiesha Evans Nehassaiu deGannes Nicole Goodwin Nicole Sealey Nijla Mu'min Nikki Patin Nita Jade Obi Nwizu Octavia Washington Parneshia Jones Patricia Smith Rachel Eliza Griffiths Rahma O. Jimoh Raina J. León Remica L. Bingham-Risher Renee Breeden Rio Cortez Rochelle Robinson-Dukes Rohanna Ssanyu Ruth Ellen Kocher Sabrina Spence Saida Agostini Sami Schalk Samiya Bashir Sandra Jackson-Opoku Sapphire Savannah Balmir Senalka McDonald Shams Alkamil Sharon Bridgforth Sharon Dennis Wyeth Sharyon Culberson Shay Youngblood Shayla Lawson Shayla Hawkins Shia Shabazz Smith Shinelle L. Espaillat Shirley May Sydney Mayes t'ai freedom ford Tafisha Edwards Talicha J. Tameka Cage Conley Tanya Shirley Tara Betts Tatiana Johnson-Boria Tayari Jones Taylor Lena McTootle Taylor Lauren Davis Teri Ellen Cross Davis Toi Derricotte Toni Asante Lightfoot Torie Mchelle Toyin Odutola Tyra Douyon Valoneecia Tolbert Venus Alemanji Victoria Adams-Kennedy Wendy S. Walters Whitney French Wura-Natasha Ogunji Yael Valencia Aldana Yalonda JD Green Yolaine M. St.Fort Yona Harvey Yunina Barbour Payne zakia henderson-brown Zaynab Iliyasu Bobi Zoë Gadegbeku *Names of Torch Magazine features are updated annually.

A Gathering of Flames: Celebrating 20 Years of Torch Literary Arts. This in-person, multiday event includes a gala celebration, the launch of the Torch Awards, live readings, workshops, vendors, networking, and parties. Save the date: September 25-27, 2026. A Gathering of Flames Celebrating 20 Years of Torch Literary Arts September 25-27, 2026 - Austin, TX Austin Central Branch Library Special Event Center For 20 years, Torch Literary Arts has supported and amplified Black women writers across the diaspora. We've featured over 300 writers and counting through Torch Magazine , our award-winning publication. Torch has also impacted the lives of thousands across our global community through impactful events such as readings and conversation series, creative and professional development workshops, our annual Fellows Retreat, and special events. To mark this monumental occasion, we are hosting a weekend of celebrations, including a festive gala, the launch of the Torch Awards, live readings, panels, writing sessions, and more. Let's gather in the joy of literature! Space is limited. We strongly encourage you to purchase your ticket as soon as possible. Get Tickets Employer PD Request Letter Amplifying Black Women Writers Since 2006 Torch Awards Gala Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 Join us for the inaugural Torch Awards, a gala and awards ceremony to celebrate literary excellence, world-class storytelling, and the joy and power of our shared narrative on and off the page. Throughout the evening, we will hear from notable writers in the Torch community and honor our first award recipients. A time will be had, including over dinner and on the dance floor! The Gathering Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 Settle deeper into our Torch community with day and evening programs, including readings, panels, and writing sessions, and connect or reconnect with writers and creatives. There will also be opportunities to shop for your next favorite reads and even get your books signed by our featured authors. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided, along with an evening reception. Community Brunch Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026 Join the closing ceremony, our Sunday brunch, to ready us for what's to come on and off the page over the next 20 years and beyond. This will be a time to fellowship, join the community open mic, and break bread with other writers and creatives. This brunch will be sustenance for the mind, body, and soul. Featured Presenters To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Thank You to our Sponsors and Partners Be a Sponsor

< Back Dr. Sequoia Maner Board Chair Dr. Sequoia Maner is an Assistant Professor of English at Spelman College where she teaches classes about 20-21st century African American literature and culture. She is the author of the prize-winning poetry chapbook Little Girl Blue (2021, Host Publications) and co-editor of the book Revisiting the Elegy in the Black Lives Matter Era (2020, Routledge). Sequoia’s 33 1/3 book about Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly debuted summer 2022 (Bloomsbury). Her poem “upon reading the autopsy of Sandra Bland” was a finalist for the 2017 Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Prize and her essays, poems, and reviews can be found in venues such as Meridians , Obsidian , The Langston Hughes Review , The Feminist Wire , Auburn Avenue , and elsewhere. She is at work on a poetic memoir about the foster care system in Los Angeles.

< Back Jae Nichelle Associate Editor Louisiana-born Jae Nichelle is the author of God Themselves (Andrews McMeel, 2023) and the chapbook The Porch (As Sanctuary) (YesYes Books, 2019). She is a finalist for a 2023 Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Fellowship and won the inaugural John Lewis Writing Award in poetry from the Georgia Writers Association. Her poetry has appeared in Best New Poets 2020 (University of Virginia Press, 2020), the Washington Square Review , The Offing , Muzzle Magazine , and elsewhere. Nichelle is a slam poetry champion, and her spoken word poems have been featured by Write About Now, Speak Up Poetry Series, and Button Poetry. She has a passion for language, linguistics, and mental health and has published articles on these subjects in AFROPUNK, An Injustice!, and the Black Youth Project.

< Back Amanda Johnston Founder / Executive Director Amanda Johnston is a writer, visual artist, and the 61st Poet Laureate of Texas. She earned an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Southern Maine. She is the author of two chapbooks, GUAP and Lock & Key , as well as the full-length collection Another Way to Say Enter. She is also the editor of the anthology Praisesong for the People: Poems from the Heart and Soul of Texas . Her work has appeared in numerous online and print publications, among them Callaloo , Poetry Magazine , The Moth Radio Hour, Bill Moyers, The Rumpus , and elsewhere. She has received fellowships, grants, and awards from Cave Canem, Hedgebrook, Tasajillo, the Kentucky Foundation for Women, The Watermill Center, American Short Fiction, and the Academy of American Poets. She is a former Board President of the Cave Canem Foundation and the founder of Torch Literary Arts.