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

Latest News Aug 25, 2026 Celebrate Torch’s 20th Birthday & Our Mission to Amplify Black Women Writers Our wish this August is to gain 20 new Community Impact Members & more! Find out how to celebrate our birthday with events, well wishes, and donations. Read More Jun 28, 2026 Thanking Our Funders for their Support for Black Women Writers In our 20th Anniversary year, seven major funders are stepping up to support Torch’s mission to amplify Black women writers. Read More Jun 1, 2026 June is a Celebratory Time for Black Women Writers This June, we’re celebrating queerness, Black Texans, Caribbean heritage, and lyricists who bring their magic and impact to the Torch community. Read More Apr 29, 2026 Torch Announces First Ever Nominations for Best New Poets Anthology Two Torch Features, Tiezst "Tie" Taylor and Mecca M. Miles, are Torch’s inaugural nominees for their outstanding poems. Read More 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 Celebrate Torch’s 18th Birthday & Our Mission to Amplify Black Women Writers Brittany Heckard Aug 2, 2024 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. Do you know what this month is? It’s Torch’s Anniversary. Can you believe that we’re celebrating our 18th year of operations? We can! Mainly because since our inception in 2006, our community has been full of supportive, uplifting, and dedicated people who see and understand the importance of Black women writers. This Birthday Month, we want to turn it up a notch. After all, what 18th birthday isn’t full of fun? To celebrate our 18th birthday, our one birthday wish is to gain 18 new recurring monthly donors and one-time donations of $18 from our loving community. Growing our recurring givers helps us ensure that we are meeting our fundraising goals to provide the necessary support we offer Black women writers all over the world. Since our start in 2006, we’ve grown significantly, thanks to our Torch community! We’ve grown our staff to include part-time positions like associate editor, communications associate, programs associate, content fellow, programs fellow, and hopefully more. Our spring and fall seasons are filled with free workshops, readings, writing circles, monthly open mics, and special events and partnership. None of this could be possible without your support. August is also Black Philanthropy Month , an international giving day supporting Black-led nonprofits. Between our birthday and celebrating the network of other Black-led nonprofits, there’s so much to celebrate! Here are a few ways you can support Torch this month: Ways to Celebrate Torch’s 18th Birthday Help us gain 18 new recurring donors by donating here and “make it monthly!” Give a one-time donation of $18 or more here ! Want to personalize a happy birthday message? Submit one here . August 20th – Meet us at The Salon August 26th – Join our Writing Circle August 29th – Torch Virtual Panel (details coming soon) We can’t wait to celebrate this joyous month with you all! ### 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. About Black Philanthropy Month Dr. Jacqueline Bouvier Copeland of Pan-African Women's Philanthropy Network and The WISE Fund established the month of August as Black Philanthropy Month in 2011 with recognition by the United Nations as part of its 2011 Declaration of the International Year for People of African Descent and its 2015-2024 Declaration of the International Decade for People of African Descent. The month-long observance invites all people of African ancestry and allied brothers and sisters to take August and beyond to promote the power of giving to transform lives. Learn more here . Media Contact Information: Brittany Heckard Communications Associate bheckard@torchliteraryarts.org (512) 641-9251 Previous Next

Learn more about Torch Literary Arts, our team, our board of directors, and our advisory board. Our Story Torch Literary Arts started as a passion project in August of 2006 by Amanda Johnston to foster a supportive community of Black women writers, emerging and experienced. Fueled by wisdom and writings from other poets, novelists, and screenwriters, the award-winning Torch Magazine emerged to amplify Black women’s voices. After the pandemic, Amanda and Torch’s board of directors realized how critical Black women’s stories are for those facing isolation, grief, and creative rebirth. After much consideration and support, Torch Literary Arts registered as a 501(c)3 nonprofit to sustain the organization and increase impact through exceptional programs that shine a light on Black women writers. In our nearly 20 years of operation, Torch has featured work from poets like Patricia Smith, Yona Harvey, and Toi Derricotte, screenwriters and playwrights like Jonterri Gadson, Charla Lauriston, and Lisa B. Thompson, and novelists like Tayari Jones, Crystal Wilkinson, and Sapphire. Today, Torch Literary Arts is a resource and destination for Black women writers and readers across the diaspora with over 16,000 annual visitors to TorchLiteraryArts.org, over 3,000 in-person and virtual audience members, and over 10,000 followers on social media. What We Do 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 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, retreats, and special events. Our Mission To promote the work of Black women by publishing contemporary creative writing by emerging and experienced writers alike, to archive contributors' literary work for posterity and educational purposes, and to provide resources and opportunities for the advancement of Black women through literary arts. We Belie ve We believe that creative writing by Black women is valuable and necessary. We believe in preserving our literary legacy by working across generations. We believe that supporting creative writing adds to the cross-cultural appreciation of the arts. We believe in utilizing current technology to connect our work to a broader audience. We believe in meaningful collaboration based on respect, creativity, and freedom. We believe in the power of community. DEIA State ment Torch Literary Arts centers Black women within their complex, intersecting identities. We provide inclusive and accessible programs to our community at large and we are committed to leveraging our unique platforms to help create positive change.

< Back Torch Literary Arts Recognized at the Ireland House During SXSW with Prime Minister of Ireland Micheál Martin Brittany Heckard Mar 17, 2025 Torch’s “Writers Across the Diaspora” program in partnership with the Irish Consulate, Culture Ireland, and Texas State University was highlighted. AUSTIN, Tex., March 17, 2025 – During the SXSW Conference over the last week, executive director and founder of Torch Literary Arts, Amanda Johnston, welcomed Prime Minister of Ireland Micheál Martin to Austin, Texas for Ireland House. Torch was recognized as a local cultural partner by Robert Hull, Consul General of Ireland for their hospitality during the inaugural Writers Across the Diaspora programming. During the SXSW programming, Amanda represented Torch Literary Arts as a cultural partner, proudly welcoming Prime Minister of Ireland Micheál Martin along with Mayor Kirk Watson. She read some of her own work as well as work from Nithy Kasa , a visiting Congolese-Irish poet who visited Austin last year. Torch’s relationship with Ireland is years in the making, starting with funding from Culture Ireland to start the inaugural Writers Across the Diaspora program with Texas State University. The program officially launched on October 9 with visiting poets Nithy Kasa and FELISPEAKS . The two poets spent a week reading and hosting workshops in Central Texas. The Ireland House activation took place during SXSW in the heart of Downtown Austin at Marlowe from March 9-11 and included nearly 20 events, panels, film events and more. Prime Minister Micheál Martin’s visit to Austin is part of his St. Patrick’s Day program in the United States. You can learn more about Ireland House at SXSW here . For more information about Torch’s Writers Across the Diaspora program, you can watch readings from our visiting Irish poets here . You can keep up with Torch programming by visiting torchliteraryarts.org/events . ### 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 support Black women writers by donating today. About Culture Ireland Culture Ireland, a division of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media is responsible for the promotion of Irish arts worldwide through specific grant programmes. We also create and support opportunities for Irish artists and art organisations to present and promote their work at strategic international festivals and venues. We develop platforms to present the richness and quality of Irish creativity to international audiences through showcase events in key arts markets including the Edinburgh Festivals and Venice Biennale, as well as various special initiatives. Previous Next

< Back June is a Celebratory Time for Black Women Writers 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 May 2026 Torch 20th Anniversary Special Feature Sharon Bridgforth February 2026 Feature Unoma Azuah Chiagoziem Jideofor Joy tabernacle KMT-Battle Mecca M. Miles Celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month: Read Work from Some of Torch Magazine’s Caribbean Features April 2026 Feature Malika Booker November 2025 Feature Myriam J. A. Chancy Puschart Prize Winner Yael Valencia Aldana Chennelle Channer Alana Benoit Celebrate Black Music Month: Read Work from Some of Torch Magazine’s Songwriters August 2024 Feature Andrea Vocab Sanderson January 2022 Feature Shayla Lawson Jae Broderick Alexa Patrick ### 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 Previous Next

< Back Torch Literary Arts Welcomes New Team Members Oct 18, 2024 Thanks to capacity-building funding, Torch adds a Creative Content Associate and Administrative Fellow to the Team. Torch Literary Arts is growing and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome two new team members to help further our mission to amplify Black women writers. We’re excited to announce that Creative Content Associate, Elena Johnson, and 2024 Administrative Fellow, Bri Nunn, have joined the Torch family. As the Creative Content Associate, Elena will amplify the work that Torch is facilitating on all of Torch’s social media platforms. She will be in charge of creating unique and engaging concepts that further communicate the deep impact Torch has on Black women writers across the world. Bri’s Administrative Fellowship will immerse her in the various roles of nonprofit structure including programming, creative content, communications, and evaluation. This allows a true hands-on learning experience for her to grasp the full spectrum of what it takes to run a nonprofit. We’re ecstatic to welcome these two phenomenal women to the team and are excited to see what they accomplish! Elena Johnson is a creative writer and social media strategist based in Austin, TX, with a BA in English and a minor in Journalism from The City College of New York. Elena has developed and executed strategies that enhanced audience engagement for digital newsrooms like Business Insider and The Yellow Tulip Project. Her articles on equitable education, community, and social identity have been featured in The Guardian, HarlemView, and Chalkbeat. Driven by a journalistic approach to digital production, Elena creates meaningful, engaging content that educates, inspires, and fosters deep connections with the audience. She combines her passion for mental health advocacy, art, and uplifting Black women with her expertise in digital content, working to amplify their experiences and voices through literature and multimedia storytelling. In her spare time, Elena enjoys reading, painting, and writing poetry, drawing inspiration from nature and the world around her. Bri Nunn is a current Huston-Tillotson student majoring in Communications, with a specification in TV and film. She is a writer, a poet, and a mother of two beautiful girls. She currently has a three-year-old podcast called, “Bri The Black Sheep” that discusses the intersectionality of Black Womanhood through her humorous dialect. Her previous work includes being an advocate for those facing and escaping domestic violence, as well as teaching vulnerable folks how to have healthier relationships. She plans to use her degree to create stories for young Black girls so that they can see themselves represented more in the media. Her ultimate goal is to develop a non-profit that allows them to have a space where they can freely exist and feel cared for. You can see the full list of our employees and board members here . ### 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

< Back Torch Literary Arts Welcomes Dana Weekes to Board of Directors Brittany Heckard Apr 11, 2024 Dana Weekes was welcomed to the board in March, bringing her extensive background in law and policy, and commitment to creation as self-care. AUSTIN, Tex., April 12, 2024 – Torch Literary Arts is pleased to welcome Dana Weekes to the Board of Directors. Her experience and knowledge as both a lawyer and policy professional, as well as an accomplished writer, will add to the diverse professional background of the board and guide the growth of the organization. Dana Tenille Weekes is the Founder and Principal of Thrive Architects, a public policy and professional development firm in Washington, DC. Before launching Thrive Architects, Dana worked for two AM Law 100 firms as a nationally recognized lawyer and policy strategist for nearly 15 years. Since she was a child, Dana has been fascinated by voice – when it is used, when it is silent, and when it is silenced. Her fascination (and now understanding of the “whys”) have led her to co-create platforms with directly impacted communities so that they can center their voices and wield the necessary influence for overdue conversations and change, whether in the worlds of policy, politics, or poetry. In 2021, Dana began writing poetry, which helped guide her to a year of rest in 2022. Her works have been published in Torch Magazine , Obsidian , Rhino Poetry, Apogee , The Elevation Review , and elsewhere. You can see the full list of directors and advisory board members here . ### 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

List of Torch Literary Arts' current in-person and virtual events. Upcoming Events Black Bookstore Day Sat, Aug 29 Torch Literary Arts - Torch Center Shop for your new favorite book at the Torch Center and support Torch Literary Arts! Learn more The Turn Up Open Mic Tue, Sep 01 Torch Center at The LINC An open mic experience presented by Torch Literary Arts. Learn more Multiple Dates Torch Writing Cirlce Sat, Sep 12 Zoom Dedicated writing time for BIPOC womxn writers. Learn more A Gathering of Flames: Celebrating 20 Years of Torch Literary Arts Fri, Sep 25 Austin Central Library, Austin Public Li Join us for the launch of the Torch Awards, a literary conference, a community brunch and open mic, and more! Learn more 4th Annual Carrying the Torch Wed, Aug 26 Torch Center A Remembrance and Reading for the Future. Learn more Wildfire Reading Series featuring LaToya Watkins Tue, Aug 25 Torch Center Presented by Black Pearl Books, join us for this special reading and conversation on Watkins' latest novel, The Book of Chuck! Learn more Free Grant Writing Hangout Sat, Aug 15 Torch Center Join us and get support writing your City of Austin ACME grants! Learn more Torch Center Grand Opening Tue, Aug 11 Torch Center Come see the Torch Center, Austin's new creative cultural hub at The LINC! Learn more FY27 Elevate Grant & Thrive Grant Workshop Wed, Jul 29 Torch Center Learn more about these ACME grants from the City of Austin and apply! Learn more Welcome Table Talk - Parables and Provisions: Feeding the Soil and the Soul Sat, Jul 11 Webinar with Shauna M. Morgan and Malika Booker. Moderated by Carmin Wong. Learn more Multiple Dates Torch x AFS: The Devil Queen Sat, Jul 04 AFS Cinema Join us for this special screening at AFS Cinema. Learn more Multiple Dates Torch x AFS: NATCHEZ Sun, Jun 21 AFS Cinema Join us for this special screening at AFS Cinema. Learn more In Conversation with Jacqueline Glover Wed, Jun 17 Zoom Jacqueline Glover is the Executive Director of the Black Film Project at the Hutchins Center at Harvard and Executive Producer of the new award-winning documentary, Natchez. Learn more Literary Arts Fest Night - Postponed to May 27th Wed, May 27 The Contemporary Austin - Jones Center In conjunction with Sable Elyse Smith: Clockwork Learn more The Writer-as-Artisan: Writing as a Living Practice Sat, May 23 Zoom A fiction workshop with Idza Luhumyo. Learn more Multiple Dates Torch x AFS: MY FATHER’S SHADOW Mon, May 11 AFS Cinema Join us for this special screening at AFS Cinema. Learn more Torch x AFS: FANTASTIQUE Sat, May 02 AFS Cinema Join us for this special screening at AFS Cinema. Learn more KUT Festival Sat, May 02 EAST END BALLROOM Celebrating the people, ideas, music, and culture that make Austin “Austin.” Learn more Load More

Photos, video, and audio captured at Torch events. Go to link 1/1

< Back Torch Literary Arts Announces Retirement of Board Member Dr. Omi Osun Joni L. Jones Jan 3, 2025 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. AUSTIN, Tex., January 3, 2025 – Torch Literary Arts (Torch), a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying Black women writers, is announcing the retirement of Dr. Omi Osun Joni L. Jones. Dr. Jones joined the Torch board in January 2023, serving two years and contributing a timeless amount of support, dedication, and insight. “ Omi has been a wonderful colleague and collaborator,” said board chair, Dr. Sequoia Maner. “We give special thanks for Omi's contribution to the Torch retreat—her expertise in screenwriting and performance not only helped to identify and secure amazing writers but also to refine processes for application and evaluation regarding the retreat. Moreover, we give thanks for Omi's grounding presence and thoughtful approach to all endeavors. She has been such a joy to work with and I, for one, will miss her smile!” Dr. Jones is the founder of the Austin Project—a collective of Global Majority women and allies who use art for personal and social transformation, and Professor Emerita from the African and African Diaspora Studies Department at the University of Texas at Austin where she brings Black Feminist praxis and theatrical jazz principles to her artmaking, scholarship, and facilitation. Her original performances include sista docta , a critique of academic life, and Searching for Ọ̀ṣun, an ethnographic performance installation around the Divinity of the River. Her dramaturgical work includes August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean and Shay Youngblood’s Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery —both under the direction of Daniel Alexander Jones, as well as Sharon Bridgforth’s con flama under the direction of Laurie Carlos. Her most recent book is Theatrical Jazz: Performance, Àṣẹ, and the Power for the Present Moment . ### 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

< Back Dana Weekes Board Treasurer Dana Tenille Weekes is the Founder and Principal of Thrive Architects, a public policy and professional development firm in Washington, DC. Before launching Thrive Architects, Dana worked for two AM Law 100 firms as a nationally recognized lawyer and policy strategist for nearly 15 years. Since she was a child, Dana has been fascinated by voice—when it is used, when it is silent, and when it is silenced. Her fascination (and now understanding of the “whys”) have led her to co-create platforms with directly impacted communities so that they can center their voices and wield the necessary influence for overdue conversations and change, whether in the worlds of policy, politics, or poetry. In 2021, Dana began writing poetry, which helped guide her to a year of rest in 2022. Her works have been published in Torch Magazine , Obsidian , Rhino Poetry , Apogee , The Elevation Review , and elsewhere