List of Torch Literary Arts' current in-person and virtual events. Upcoming Events Multiple Dates Torch Writing Cirlce Mon, Sep 21 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 Decatur Book Festival Sat, Oct 03 Decatur Learn more The Turn Up Open Mic Tue, Oct 06 Torch Literary Arts - Torch Center An open mic experience presented by Torch Literary Arts. Learn more October Saturday Open House Sat, Oct 10 Torch Literary Arts - Torch Center Shop for your new favorite book at the Torch Center and support Torch Literary Arts! Learn more Welcome Table Talk - The Sacred & The Secret: Writing the Women of the Black Church Tue, Oct 13 Webinar Featuring Dr. Latorial Faison and Deesha Philyaw. Moderated by Ashley M. Coleman. Learn more Celebrate Amanda Johnston Day! Fri, Sep 18 Torch Literary Arts Join us to celebrate our founder's official day in Austin, TX! 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 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 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 Load More

Torch's annual retreat for Black women writers with works-in-progress across poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and script. Fellows enjoy a week-long stay at the Colton House Hotel in Austin, TX where they can write, rest, and dream. 2027 Torch Retreat July 18 - 25, Austin, TX Torch Literary Arts is proud to provide our annual creative writing retreat. We welcome applications from Black women writers with major works-in-progress across poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction (memoir or lyric essays), and script (plays or screenplays). The Torch Retreat will return in 2027. We invite everyone to A Gathering of Flames: Celebrating 20 Years of Torch Literary Arts on September 25-27, 2026. Applications Are Closed Amplifying Black Women Writers Since 2006 Dedicated Writing Time Fellows receive plenty of time for dedicated writing devoted to their works-in-progress. We gently support you in your writing goals for the week by providing group check-ins and the opportunity to share your progress in a nurturing environment. Comfortable Accommodations Your comfort matters. The Colton House Hotel was carefully selected as the property for the Torch retreat to provide fellows with a plush environment where they may dream and write freely. Financial Support There is no fee to apply or attend the retreat. Each fellow will receive a $1,000 stipend to assist with travel, supplies, childcare, or anything else that helps make it possible for fellows to attend regardless of financial ability. Your Stay in Austin, TX Retreat fellows will stay at the beautiful Colton House Hotel . Accommodations include a private bedroom and bathroom in a two-bedroom suite with a shared living room and full kitchen. During your week-long retreat, you will receive dedicated writing time, breakfast and lunch provided, and ample time during the afternoons and evenings to rest, recharge, enjoy the hotel amenities, or explore the city. The retreat will also include guest speakers and a public reading by fellows at the end of the week. View photos from past retreats here . 2025 Torch Retreat Fellows 2024 Torch Retreat Fellows 2023 Torch Retreat Fellows

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.

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.

Donate to amplify Black women writers. Your gift is tax-deductible and helps Torch Literary Arts create advancement opportunities for emerging writers. Support Torch Literary Arts and help amplify Black women writers around the world! Fuel Torch's Flame Donate to Torch Literary Arts and become a Community Impact Member (CIM)! Your unrestricted contribution helps Torch deliver exceptional programs, pay Black women writers for their time and talents, and maintain operations so we can make a lasting impact for Black women writers and readers worldwide. 2025 Impact Snapshot 50+ Events 74 Features 5,000+ Attendees 93 Workshop Participants 8 Retreat Fellows WINNER Inaugural AWP Writing Organization Award 2025 - 2026 Individual Donors A"Lease Glass Aaraf Adam Aisha Marshall Dr. Aiyana Anderson Alba Castillo Alec Williams Fletcher Alejandra Mireles Alexander Piña Alexis Guild Alicia Niwagaba Aliyah Symes Allen Heckard Allen Heckard Alyse G. Amanda Johnston Amy Smith Amy Williams aneesa needel Angela Redmond-Theodore Angelica Heard Angie Aguirre Ann Fields Anna Dolliver annabelle oh Annar Veröld Antoinette Franklin Antonia Harris April Randall April Sojourner Truth Walker Picaro Ariel Wright Ashley Battle Ashley Lawrence Atena Danner Ayanna Harris Barry Johnon Becky Thompson Becky Gomez Bethany Stellar Beverly Chukwu Bianca Jackson Bleu Bobby Wilkinson Brenda Sendejo Briana Nunn C. Denby Swanson Cachavious English Camari Carter Hawkins Cameron Bell Camille Brown Candace Lopez Carrie Kenny Cecily Sailer Charles Landgraf Charley Rejsek Charli Krause Charlotte Jackson-Brown Charlyn Stanberry Chastie Gaines Dr. Chela White Chesma McCoy Chinonso O. Chioma Ayogu Chioma Chukwu Christal Hayes Christie Cruise Christina Brown Christina Bryant Christina Garcia Christine Jean Blain Christopher Michael Ciara McLaughlin Cierra M. Cindy Huyser Cindy Mota Rios Claire Bowman Claudia Castañeda Cody Hammer Cole Gibson Conscious Lee Constance White Corey Baron Cynthia Huyser Dalia Azim Daniel Bernitt Danyeal Wright Davis Kaufman PLLC Dawn Rising Deanna Ruff Debbie Bridge Delicia Choyce derrais carter Desiree French Diana Chau Diem Tran Donnavyn T Doris Walker Dr. Latimer Dulari Gandhi Ebony A. English Eden W. Edmund Davis Elissa Rinehart Elizabeth Upshur Elle Wilson Elle Wise Ellen Wright Emil J. Ottis Emily Rutter Emily Truax Emmy Laursen Erica Jackson erin johnson Erin Waelder Erva Cockfield Evie Shockley Faheen Allibhoy Faith Miller Fallon Blossom Farah Hussain Farhana Khera Felice Belle Felicia Finney Flornida Bryant Francene Rose Francés Jones, Esq. Frank Walker Grace Banfield Gwendolyn Johnson Haley Nicholson Heather McKenzie Ikenna Okoro Indiia Wilmott Indira Samuels ire'ne lara silva Irma Heckard Ishrat Kundawala Jabari Asim Jacqueline Frederick-Maturo Jacqueline Smith-Francis Jam Hornesby James Cagney James Joseph Jamie Jackson Jamie Lee Jane Hervey Janelle Faulk Janelle Lee Austin Janice Bashford Jasmine Castellanos Jasmine Games Jason Phelps Jazmin Papadopoulos Jen Margulies Jennifer Jessie Jeremy Garza Jesse Steinfort Jessica Berlow Jin Yoo-Kim Joanne V. Gabbin Johnnie Dorsey Jonathan Moody Jordan McKay Joseph Rios Judeline Altema-Commey Juli Salazar Kadeem Clarke Kaleia Youngblood Kalila Winters Kamau Butcher Karen Kudelko Karla Aghedo Karmon Hill Katherine Lamb-Legrand Kay Grigar Keith Beverly Keiyana Arnold Kellie Adesina Kiki King Kim C. Kindra A. Kira Tucker Kristen Washington L’Oréal Snell Lauren Alleyne Lauren Oertel Laurie MacKellar Lena Shichijo Lilia Rosas Linda Bower Lisa Dawson Lisa Moore Lisa Olstein Lyndon Gill Lynn Keller Lynne Thompson M P Mueller m. mick powell M. Perrault Mag Tatum Maggie Schleich Malaika John Maria-Elena Cigarroa Marianne DeLeón Marlene Feliz Nina Marne Marotta Marsha Whitton Martha RamosDuffer Martin Perna Martina Powell Marvin K. White Mason Scheer and Krystal Parsons Matt Patin Maya Perez Meaghan Reynolds Megan Kaminski Melanie Westerberg Meredith Fenton Mia Ellis Mia Williams Michelle Niemann Min Kim Mindy Hanneman Mo Hardeman Monique Garvin Monique Horn Mulika Ojikutu-Harnett Nagueyalti Warren Natalie Hulsey Natasha Ria El-Scari Nephresha Singletary Nguyen Pham Nicole Nice Nuree Choe Omi Jones Pamela Mejia Patrice Stanley Rachel Eliza Griffiths Rachel Quinn Rachel Winston Raina Fields Raven Douglas Regina Luzincourt Rene Redwood Robb King Robin Bradford Rochonda Farmer Neal Ron Kavanaugh Rosa Castellano Ross Nearburg Roxana Keesler Sabrina Altema Sara Everett Sarah Steinberg Sarah Wimer Sasha West Savannah Felton Sebastian Paramo Sequoia Maner Sher Ratnabalasuriar Sheree Ross Shia Shabazz Smith Shiu Mei Simone Barnes Stephen Vaden Sue Schnitzer Sullivan Summer Sunny Di Susan Egan Susana Caceres Suzanne Austin-Hill l Suzanne Ford Sydney Burns Taisia Kitaiskaia Talia Pinzari Tanya Shirley Tawanda Mulalu Taylor Cazeault The Lang Family Timi Laney Tracilynn Wright-Bloodworth Tracy Bell Tracy Matthews Tyler Drake We Runnaz William Helms William Tatum Wura-Natasha Ogunji Zayna McGalliard +74 Annonymous Donors Thank You Funders, Partners, and Sponsors

List of current employment and intern opportunities at Torch Literary Arts. Employment There are no openings at this time. Thank you for your interest in Torch Literary Arts.

< Back Thanking Our Funders for their Support for Black Women Writers Jun 28, 2026 In our 20th Anniversary year, seven major funders are stepping up to support Torch’s mission to amplify Black women writers. With major funding deficits affecting nonprofits, especially Black-led and Black-serving nonprofits like Torch, we want to thank our funders for their unwavering support for our mission. While funding for Torch has been affected, we have gained new partners and sustained previous funders to help fuel our flame. We want to thank the Poetry Foundation , City of Austin , The Burdine Johnson Foundation , Art Power , Austin Community Foundation , Literary Arts Fund , and Texas Commission on the Arts for their continued support of Black women writers and a diverse and inclusive literary landscape. These major funders have helped us prepare to open our first physical location in Austin. The Torch Center, opening this summer, will be a literary anchor in the Austin community, and a permanent resource and destination for Black women writers around the world. Unrestricted donations from these funders ensure that Torch leadership is trusted with our mission and decision-making for the long-term success of our nonprofit. Despite our loss of over $45,000 in funding, we are unwavering in our commitment to serving our community. We are especially grateful to our Community Impact Members (CIMs): a consistent group of recurring donors who give $100 annually or more to sustain Torch’s work and impact. As we enter 2026, we look forward to continued relationships with our major funding partners and individual donors, and can’t wait to celebrate the impact from that support at our 20th Anniversary Gathering of Flames Conference in September. Looking ahead, we anticipate more fruitful opportunities to continue growing and amplifying Black women storytellers around the world. If you are interested in becoming a CIM and learning more about the benefits, including your name at the Torch Center, visit torchliteraryarts.org/donate . ### 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. Previous Next

< Back Austin Film Society Joins Torch Literary Arts as New Community Partners Feb 5, 2026 The two organizations will amplify a series of film screenings showcasing Black women screenwriters, directors, and films that reflect Black culture. Austin Film Society (AFS) and Torch Literary Arts (Torch) are partnering to amplify diversity in film at AFS Cinema. These film screenings will be mission-aligned with both organizations and start this month with screenings of Daughters of the Dust and Compensation . Daughters of the Dust (1991), written and directed by Julie Dash, is an intergenerational film about three Gullah women and their lives in the South Carolina islands in 1902. The film won Best Cinematography at Sundance in 1991, Grand Jury Prize Nominee at Sundance in 1991, and was featured at many film festivals, including Mill Valley, BFI London, New Orleans, and Chicago. The first screening is on February 17th. You can purchase tickets for a screening here . Compensation (1999), directed by Zeinabu irene Davis, is a film highlighting the lives of two deaf women living almost a century apart from each other, one living in 1900 and the other in 1990. The film will have ASL interpretation. The film won the Gordon Parks Directing Award from the Independent Feature Project. The first screening is on February 24th. You can purchase tickets for a screening here . “This partnership highlights screenwriters and filmmakers we love to support,” said Amanda Johnston, founder and executive director of Torch Literary Arts. “Producing events that amplify voices of Black women while also enjoying their work on screen is the type of intentional community building we strive for.” AFS and Torch are just steps away from each other at The LINC in the historic St. Johns area, allowing a collaborative partnership that is accessible and convenient for attendees. The partnership highlights the need for representation of Black women writers in cinema and an in-depth look at powerful stories that resonate with any audience. If you are a Torch Feature, Fellow, or CIM Member, please email us for a discount code for these two screenings before you purchase your ticket. You can learn more about Austin Film Society by visiting their website at austinfilmsociety.org . ### 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 Magazine has featured work by Toi Derricotte, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, and others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, writing workshops, and retreats. About Austin Film Society Founded in 1985 by filmmaker Richard Linklater, AFS creates life-changing opportunities for filmmakers, catalyzes Austin and Texas as a creative hub, and brings the community together around great film. AFS supports filmmakers towards career leaps, encouraging exceptional artistic projects with grants and support services. AFS operates Austin Studios, a 20-acre production facility, to attract and grow the creative media ecosystem. Austin Public, a space for our city’s diverse mediamakers to train and collaborate, provides many points of access to filmmaking and film careers. The AFS Cinema is an ambitiously programmed repertory and first run arthouse with broad community engagement. By hosting premieres, local and international industry events, and the Texas Film Awards, AFS shines the national spotlight on Texas filmmakers while connecting Austin and Texas to the wider film community. AFS is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Media Contact Information: Brittany Heckard Communications Associate bheckard@torchliteraryarts.org (512) 641-9251 Previous Next

< Back Celebrate Torch’s 20th Birthday & Our Mission to Amplify Black Women Writers Aug 25, 2026 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. It’s no surprise that Torch’s 20th year is here because we’ve been celebrating this significant milestone since January. However, August is a very special month. It’s Torch’s 20th birthday month! Every year, we reflect on how an organization for Black women writers started as a spark and ignited into the unavoidable flame that is Torch Literary Arts. From our day-one supporters to our newest Friday Features, we’ve been cultivating a community that proudly tells Black women that their stories are not only important, but life-changing. Black women writers are America’s archivists. We are the culture markers of the past, current, and the future. Our stories are dreams of unimaginable worlds that people are lucky to experience. This Birthday Month, we’re a living testament to a dream from 2006. Our 2007 archive magazine is award-winning and now features Black women writers from across the diaspora. Our programs now expand to include university, media, and international partnerships. We officially have a physical space in Austin, Texas: the Torch Center! In a time where Black-led and serving nonprofits face defunding, inconsistent performative support, and lack of acknowledgment, we have persisted. So, won’t you celebrate this moment with us? After all, your support is what fuels our flame . This month, we want to thank our community for their unwavering support, and ask for one birthday wish: continued support into the next 20 years. Here are a few ways you can support Torch this month: Become 1 of our 20 new Community Impact Members (CIMs) by donating just $10 monthly or $100 annually. Become a sponsor for or attend Torch’s “A Gathering of Flames” Give a one-time donation of $20 or more Attend our upcoming events: August 25th – Wildfire Reading Series featuring LaToya Watkins August 26th – 4th Annual Carrying the Torch August 29th – Celebrate Black Bookstore Day at the Torch Center August is also Black Philanthropy Month , an international giving month supporting Black-led nonprofits. Torch is proud to be a Black-led and serving organization with countless other nonprofits dedicated to uplifting our community. Between our birthday and celebrating the network of other Black-led nonprofits, there’s so much to celebrate! ### 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 . Previous Next

< Back Celebrating the Second Annual Donor-Advised Funds Day Oct 9, 2025 Torch Literary Arts encourages families and individuals with donor-advised funds to consider supporting Black women writers and the programs we offer. Today marks the second annual Donor-Advised Funds (DAF) Day! Aside from Giving Tuesday, this day is a new national giving day celebrating the contributions of DAFs to nonprofits across the nation. Torch is celebrating by encouraging our community to consider using their DAF to support Black women writers or to create a DAF with like-minded individuals for causes near and dear to you. DAFs are the fastest growing form of philanthropy and now have their very own day of giving! Started in 2024, DAF Day arose to address the growth of DAFs in the U.S. DAFs can donate to nonprofits, no matter the size! In fact, 69% of DAFs were under $1,000 . With nearly 2 million DAF accounts in the U.S. , these funds allow simple ways to donate to charities and nonprofit organizations they favor while also receiving immediate tax benefits. Donor-advised funds can recommend grants to mission-aligned organizations. You can also remain 100% anonymous and allow for successors, a great benefit for families, friends, or groups with aligned values and interests. Have you heard of DAFs, or are you considering starting one? Don’t forget to support Torch and our impact and efforts to support Black women writers when considering your DAF giving! ### 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 Celebrating Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day Mar 11, 2025 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. March is Women’s History Month, and this past Saturday, March 8, was International Women’s Day. Each year, people around the world celebrate the impact that women have in their lives. Whether it's a mother, sister, teacher, aunt, or writer, the impact women have in shaping our world is immeasurable. This year’s theme for Women's History Month is “ Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” celebrating the impact and importance of information sharing and inspiring growth. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day was “Accelerate Action,” marking the importance of moving forward boldly and swiftly to address the systemic barriers that women face. Torch’s mission is beautifully represented in both themes this year. As a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying both emerging and established Black women writers around the world, we work hard to share knowledge, pay and publish Black women, and provide community. In 2025, our work only reaffirms this year’s themes around education, inspiration, and actionable change to impact the lives of Black women writers. As we continue our work, your support for writers is also just as impactful! Below are some ways you can join us in supporting Black women writers internationally and intergenerationally. March Events March 11th - Join the Welcome Table Talk in Collaboration with Wintergreen Women Writers Collective March 15th - Playwriting Workshop: Who all over there? Learning the Character of Your Characters with Florinda Bryant March 15th - Torch Writing Circle Torch Magazine Read our March 2025 Feature: Nijla Mu'min Support Torch Become a monthly donor to help us reach our $40,000 fundraising goal Shop our BookShop page featuring our Torch Features ### 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 Releases Fall 2025 Season Aug 28, 2025 Torch’s Fall 2025 Season includes dynamic readings, a screenwriting conversation, book festivals, workshops, and more! Torch is excited to bring another season full of community building, networking, and workshops for Black women writers across the diaspora. Building on the excitement from our 20th Anniversary "Save the Date" announcement and our birthday month, the Fall 2025 Season will bring more of what our community has come to rely on and expect. You can RSVP to Torch’s events by visiting torchliteraryarts.org/events . Our special events this season include: August 28: Tending the Flame with Lenelle Moïse , Kelly Harris-DeBerry , Amina Gautier , and Amanda Johnston September 8: Torch Writing Circle - Dedicated virtual writing time for BIPOC women writers September 13: In Conversation with Sonja Perryman , award-winning associate producer for Hulu’s East Los High and screenwriter for the Amazon Prime drama, Cross October 4: Torch will be at the Decatur Book Festival in Downtown Decatur, GA. Find our booth! October 9: Poetry Workshop - Chewing on the Alphabet & Stealing from the Best with Lynne Thompson October 11: Torch Day at BookPeople - Join us in person or shop online at BookPeople to celebrate Torch Day. October 21: Welcome Table Talk - Thinking About Love and the Divine with Ajanaé Dawkins , author of Blood-Flex , and DaMaris Hill , author of Blood Bible: An American History. Presented by the Wintergreen Women Writers Collective and Torch Literary Arts. October 23: Wildfire Reading Series featuring Ebony Stewart , author of WASH November 3: Wildfire Reading Series featuring Ashley D. Farmer , author of Queen Mother November 6 & 8: Torch x Texas Book Festival featuring Donika Kelly , author of The Natural Order of Things , and Tiana Clark , author of Scorched Earth. Join us for readings, panels, and more at the 2025 Texas Book Festival ! November 19 : Workshop - From the lion’s mouth: The Writer as Historical Witness with Sandra Jackson-Opoku Stay tuned for more fall events and announcements!! ### 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, writing workshops, and retreats. For more information about Torch Literary Arts, please visit https://www.torchliteraryarts.org/ or follow @torchliteraryarts on Instagram. 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