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< Back Torch Announces 2026 Dates for 20th Anniversary Celebration Aug 20, 2025 “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. AUSTIN, Tex., Aug. 20, 2024 – Torch Literary Arts is announcing their 20th Anniversary celebration, “A Gathering of Flames,” occurring September 25-27, 2026, at the Austin Central Branch Library Special Event Center to celebrate Torch’s 20-year legacy of supporting and creating community for Black women writers across the diaspora. For three days, Black women writers and supporters from around the world will convene in Austin to attend the inaugural Torch Awards Gala, an all-day conference, and Collective Brunch. This momentous weekend will include readings by notable authors, guest speakers, writing workshops, networking opportunities, and more. “Bringing a literary celebration for Black women writers from around the world to Austin has always been a part of Torch's vision,” said executive director Amanda Johnston. “It is a testament to the community Torch is building around the world, and I cannot wait to see our community come together in celebration of literary arts in our hometown next year.” Torch started in 2006 when Amanda Johnston realized she was constantly traveling out of state to propel her career as a poet due to the minimal opportunities in Central Texas for writers of color. What started as a literary magazine and grassroots community transformed into a Black-led and serving nonprofit. Torch’s mission is to promote the work of Black women by publishing contemporary creative writing by emerging and experienced writers, 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. Torch has grown to support thousands of Black women on their literary journeys, pays professional rates for featured authors, has received the Pushcart Prize and the inaugural Association of Writers and Writing Programs’ Writing Organization Award, has hosted 22 Torch Retreat Fellows in Austin, and has produced free workshops and events that amplify diverse voices across the literary landscape. To find out more information and save the date for the 20th Anniversary, please visit torchliteraryarts.org/agatheringofflames2026 . To donate to Torch and help fuel our mission, please visit https://www.torchliteraryarts.org/donate . ### 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 Raises $5,593 for 2025 GivingTuesday Campaign Dec 5, 2025 Joining one of the largest international giving days, Torch raised $5,593. Thanks to generous support from the Torch Community, Torch raised $5,593 this GivingTuesday. Although we didn’t reach our goal of $7,000, we surpassed last year’s goal of $5,000, meaning we’re continuously growing as a community. With support from board matches and individual donations, Torch is on par to reach our end of year fundraising goal of $40,000. Whether you shared your story about Torch online, donated your first donation, or are a continuous supporter, we want to thank all individual donors for making this happen! Once again, we are truly grateful for the community we’ve been building since 2006. Individual donors like you are consistently helping us reach our increased annual giving goals and showing up for Black women writers. Thank you! Torch’s Executive and Advisory Boards also collectively matched $500 of raised donations this #GivingTuesday . Having board support as a small literary nonprofit is not only a signal of the impact of our mission, but a reflection of the internal dedication of our organization. The continued support from our Board both monetary and in-kind is always appreciated and never goes unnoticed. The giving season isn’t over! We are still raising funds to meet our end-of-year individual fundraising goal of $40,000! If you’re interested in donating, or know someone who is, please visit torchliteraryarts.org/donate . For more details about the GivingTuesday movement, visit givingtuesday.org . 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. About GivingTuesday GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity to transform communities and the world. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past eleven years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give. GivingTuesday strives to build a world in which the catalytic power of generosity is at the heart of the society we build together, unlocking dignity, opportunity and equity around the globe. Previous Next

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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, workshops, and more. Let's gather in the joy of literature and togetherness. Space is limited. Add your name below to receive updates, including headliner announcements, registration details, and travel information. Sign Up for Updates 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 workshops, 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. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, along with an evening reception. Collective 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. Thank You to our Sponsors and Partners Be a Sponsor

< Back Torch Announces the Nominations for the Best of the Net Sep 16, 2025 Eleven Torch Features were nominated for their works in creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and visual art in Torch Magazine. With its online literary publication, Torch champions Black women writers from around the world for their work published in Torch Magazine , intentionally curated and selected by Torch Associate Editor, Jae Nichelle, and Executive Director, Amanda Johnston. Every year, the two select Torch Features to nominate for the Best of the Net prize. Best of the Net is an awards-based anthology for diverse writers and the online literary magazines that publish them. They accept work in poetry, nonfiction, fiction, and art. The winners’ stories are collected and published in Sundress Publications. You can learn more about the prize here . Our amazing 2025 Torch Nominees include: Creative Nonfiction “ Notes on Conception ” by Tatiana Johnson-Boria “ He & I ” Jā R. Macki Fiction “ Ghost Waters ” by Sandra Jackson-Opoku “ At the End of Every Apocalypse is a New Apocalypse ” by Savannah Balmir Poetry “ When Your Bully Makes Your Bed ” by Natiesha Evans “ Dancing ” by Esther Kondo Heller “ Cataracts ” by Talicha J “ with three fingers, I point ” by Elisha Mykleti “ Girl Says a Prayer ” by Schyler Butler “ Job 1:1-2:10 ” by Courtney Conrad Visual Art Adriene Cruz ### 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 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 Torch Executive Director and Features Named as Brooks Living Legacy Honorees Brittany Heckard Nov 15, 2024 20 Torch community members were named Living Legacy Honorees The Brooks Living Legacy recently announced their list of Living Legacy Honorees, a global celebration of Black Female Poets in the tradition of Gwendolyn Brooks. Torch is elated to announce that out of the 50 poets named, 19 have been featured in Torch Magazine and/or readings and special events. The Living Legacy Project is part of the 75th Anniversary celebration of Annie Allen , Gwendolyn Brooks’s Pulitzer Prize winning work. The list is composed of Black female poets who are making an impact in the literary community. Honorees include: Amanda Johnston - Torch Founder / Executive Director Sequoia Maner - Torch Board Chair Elizabeth Alexander Tara Betts Mahogany L. Browne Isha Camara Ajanaé Dawkins Toi Derricotte Latasha N. Nevada Diggs Kelly Norman Ellis Vievee Francis Krista Franklin Faylita Hicks Toni Asante Lightfoot Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton Evie Shockley Patricia Smith Ebony Stewart Natasha Trethewey Crystal Wilkinson To learn more about Brooks Permissions and to see the full list of Living Legacies Honorees, click 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. About Brooks Permissions Brooks Permissions, founded in 2001, manages the literary works of acclaimed poet Gwendolyn Brooks. 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 Multiple Dates Torch Writing Cirlce Sat, Jan 24 Zoom Dedicated writing time for BIPOC womxn writers. Learn more 2025 CIM Webinar: Fueling Torch's Flame Thu, Dec 11 Virtual Webinar Join us for a recap of 2025 and hear about what's coming in 2026! Open to current Community Impact Members. Learn more Workshop - From the Lion’s Mouth: The Writer as Historical Witness with Sandra Jackson-Opoku Wed, Nov 19 Zoom Learn more Torch TBF Lit Crawl Showcase Sat, Nov 08 Cheer Up Charlies Join us for a celebration of Torch features and friends during the Texas Book Festival. Learn more Torch x Texas Book Festival featuring Tiana Clark and Donika Kelly Sat, Nov 08 Texas Capitol - Extension Room: E2.010 Join this Torch panel at the Texas Book Festival! Learn more An Evening with Tiana Clark and Donika Kelly Thu, Nov 06 Black Pearl Books Join us ahead of the Texas Book Festival for an incredible night of poetry. Learn more Wildfire Reading Series featuring Ashley D. Farmer Mon, Nov 03 BookPeople Presented by BookPeople and Torch Literary Arts, join us for the launch of Queen Mother: Black Nationalism, Reparations, and the Untold Story of Audley Moore. Learn more Wildfire Reading Series featuring Ebony Stewert Thu, Oct 23 Bookwoman Join Torch Literary Arts for a reading and conversation with Ebony Stewart, author of WASH. Learn more Welcome Table Talk - Thinking About Love and the Divine Tue, Oct 21 Webinar with DaMaris B. Hill and Ajanaé Dawkins, moderated by Amanda Johnston Learn more Torch Day at BookPeople Sat, Oct 11 BookPeople Join us for Children's Storytime and a Poetry Reading! Shop in-store and online, and 10% will go to Torch Literary Arts. Learn more Poetry Workshop: Chewing on the Alphabet & Stealing from the Best with Lynne Thompson Thu, Oct 09 Zoom Learn more Torch at the Decatur Book Festival Sat, Oct 04 Downtown Decatur, GA Stop by booth #76 and learn more about Torch Literary Arts! Learn more In Conversation with Sonja Perryman Sat, Sep 13 Zoom Sonja Perryman is an award-winning associate producer for Hulu's East Los High and screenwriter for the Amazon Prime drama, Cross. Learn more Tending the Flame Thu, Aug 28 Zoom Webinar Celebrating 19 Years of Torch Literary Arts with Lenelle Moïse, Kelly Harris-DeBerry, Amina Gautier, and Amanda Johnston. Learn more 2025 Torch Fellows Reading Thu, Jul 24 Carver Museum Retreat fellows will read from their major works-in-progress. Learn more Welcome Table Talk - Stories from our Past: Genealogy as Creative Inspiration Tue, Jul 15 Webinar with Remica Bingham-Risher and Daryl Cumber Dance, moderated by Maryemma Graham Learn more Creative Community Talk: Austin Arts & Culture Funding Sat, Jul 12 Future Front Learn more Bloomsday and Beyond featuring Emma Dabiri, author of Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture Tue, Jun 24 Book People Learn more Load More

< 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 Torch Feature Yael Valencia Aldana Receives Pushcart Prize May 31, 2024 For the second year in a row, a Torch Feature has received a Pushcart Prize for their amazing work published in Torch Magazine. AUSTIN, Tex., May 31, 2024 – Torch Literary Arts is thrilled to announce that Yael Valencia Aldana has been awarded the Pushcart Prize for “ Black Person Head Bob ” published June 9, 2023, as a Torch Friday Feature! Her poem will be published in Pushcart Prize XLIX , the 49th edition. Yael Valencia Aldana is a Caribbean Afro-Latinx writer and poet. She is a descendant of the indigenous people of modern-day Colombia. Her work has appeared or is upcoming in Typehouse, South Florida Poetry Journal, Cutbank Journal, and Slag Glass City, among others . She teaches creative writing in South Florida, where she lives with her son and too many pets. You can visit her website and follow her on Instagram and Twitter . This is the second year that a Torch Feature has received a Pushcart Prize. Torch considers all accepted features for external award nominations. We accept submissions of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and script (plays and screenplays) by Black women writers on a rolling basis. You can learn more about our submission guidelines here . ### 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 The Pushcart Prize The Pushcart Prize: Best of the Small Presses series, published every year since 1976, is the most honored literary project in America - including Highest Honors from the American Academy of Arts and Letters . Since 1976, hundreds of presses and thousands of writers of short stories, poetry and essays have been represented in our annual collections. Each year most of the writers and many of the presses are new to the series. Every volume contains an index of past selections, plus lists of outstanding presses with addresses. Media Contact Information: Brittany Heckard Communications Associate bheckard@torchliteraryarts.org (512) 641-9251 Previous Next

< Back Torch Announces New Community Impact Member Donation Initiative Brittany Heckard May 28, 2025 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. At Torch, our mission is to uplift Black women writers through building a community where they are seen and heard. Our community, like our impact, is large and intentional. It is filled with emerging and experienced writers, lovers of authentic storytelling, and our supporters. A special group of supporters we want to acknowledge moving forward is our individual donors who give monthly and annually to fuel our mission. Individual giving strengthens our revenue stream with direct, unrestricted contributions. According to Giving USA’s 2024 Annual Report , individual donors accounted for 67% of total charitable donations in 2023. To say thank you to our individual donors, we’re introducing our Community Impact Membership (CIM) program for donors who give at least $10 monthly or $100 annually. CIMs will also receive various benefits depending on their sustainer level, including gifts like Torch stickers, T-shirts, event benefits, and more! You can check out our Community Impact Sustainer Levels and their benefits below. Community Impact Member Sustainer Levels Torch Community – $10 Monthly or $120 Annually Torch Sticker Monthly Newsletter Invitation to the Torch End of Year Celebration Invitation to Special Events Acknowledgment on our Website and in the Annual Report Torch Friend – $25 Monthly or $300 Annually Firestarter: Collection of Torch Writing Prompts (downloadable) Plus, all Community Member Benefits Torch Ally – $50 Monthly or $600 Annually Invitation to Torch Mixers Classic Torch Shirt Plus, all Community & Friend Member Benefits Torch Advocate – $100 Monthly or $1,200 Annually Limited Edition Broadside (high-quality print) Plus, all Community, Friend & Ally Member Benefits Torch Sustainer – $210 Monthly or $2,500 Annually Reserved Premium Seating Invitation to Exclusive Author Receptions Plus, all Community, Friend, Ally, and Advocate Member Benefits Torch Champion – $425 Monthly or $5,000 Annually Event Program Recognition Wall Recognition Plus, all Community, Friend, Ally, Advocate, and Sustainer Member Benefits All of the CIM donations are 100% tax-deductible. You can become a CIM by choosing one of the sustainer levels on our donation page at torchliteraryarts.org/donate . ### 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. Previous Next

Torch Literary Arts' annual impact and financial reports. 2024-2026 Strategic Plan In the fall of 2023, Torch Literary Arts began a strategic planning process, a first in the organization's history, to prepare for the future and chart a path of continued growth and success in fulfilling Torch's mission to create advancement opportunities for Black women writers. This three-year plan outlines the strategic priorities for Torch Literary Arts' board of directors, leadership and team, and community stakeholders. The strategic plan is a commitment to intentional and responsible growth to meet the needs of Torch's community today and tomorrow. Join us in the process and mark your calendar to celebrate Torch Literary Arts' 20th anniversary in 2026! Annual Reports 2022 Annual Report IRS Form 990