< Back Torch Announces First Ever Nominations for Best New Poets Anthology Apr 29, 2026 Two Torch Features, Tiezst "Tie" Taylor and Mecca M. Miles, are Torch’s inaugural nominees for their outstanding poems. In celebrating National Poetry Month and of 20 years of creating space for Black women writers, Torch is excited to nominate two poems from Torch Magazine to the Best New Poets Anthology. This is the first time Torch has nominated poets, and is excited to add another national recognition to the many nominations Torch Features can be considered for. Other prizes Torch nominates its writers for include Best of the Net, the Pushcart Prize, and O. Henry Prize. “Nominating Torch Features for awards is one of the best parts of being Associate Editor for Torch Magazine,” said associate editor Jae Nichelle. “In this literary landscape where Black women writers have so many barriers to entry, nominating our features gives us one more way to spotlight the incredible writers in our community.” Created in 2005, the Best New Poets Anthology focuses on highlighting 50 poems from emerging writers across the United States and Canada. Nominations can come from literary magazines, annual writing competitions, and graduate-level programs. You can learn more about the Best New Poets Anthology here . Our Two Torch Nominees Are: " High John [a duplex] " by Tiezst "Tie" Taylor " God Whispers on Leyland Drive " by Mecca M. Miles ### 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 Tiezst "Tie" Taylor Tiezst “Tie” Taylor is a Disabled Black femme who is non-binary trans. They are a radical educator, artist-activist, poet, and storyteller. They have earned degrees in education (B.A. in the individualized major of Teaching for Social Justice, New York University & M.S.Ed in Elementary Education, University of Pennsylvania), and are a proponent of disability justice and abolitionist frameworks. Their work explores their experiences in surviving: Disability and severe mental illness; intergenerational trauma and poverty; and intersecting forms of oppression. They use their art and research to educate, heal, nurture, radicalize, and catalyze change for all marginalized peoples. Tiezst is an Emerge 2025 Fellow with San Francisco State University’s Paul K. Longmore Institute on Disability, where they are working on an essay for publication on the criminalization of mental illness as it intersects with Black woman / femme identity. They were a Spring 2024 Brooklyn Poets Fellow and a past awardee of the NYSCA/NYFA Artists with Disabilities Grant. Tie’s work appears or is upcoming in Lucky Jefferson , Querencia Press , Midway Journal , Shō Poetry Journal , and ANMLY . Follow Tiezst on Instagram @tiezst. About Mecca M. Miles Mecca M. Miles is a Black, queer writer and spoken word poet from San Antonio, Texas. Her work has appeared in such publications as Wellspringwords Literary Anthology , The San Antonio Review , Texas Bards Anthology , When the River Speaks , Voices de la Luna , Voices Along the River , and has been featured on Best of Button Poetry . She has competed nationwide, taking 8th in Florida at the Exit 36 Slam in 2023 and 8th in Dallas, TX at the Right to Write Slam in 2024. She has featured at a number of local venues and is the 2024/2025 Poetry Grand Slam Champion of San Antonio, TX. Media Contact Information: Brittany Heckard Communications Associate bheckard@torchliteraryarts.org (512) 641-9251 Previous Next

< Back Rachel E. Winston Board Secretary Rachel E. Winston is an archivist and curator based out of Austin, TX. She is the founding Black Diaspora Archivist at The University of Texas at Austin, where she leads the effort to build a library special collection documenting the Black experience across the Americas and Caribbean.

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

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

Torch Magazine Torch Magazine is the online publication of Torch Literary Arts. Established in 2006 to celebrate creative writing by Black women writers across the diaspora, Torch publishes poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and scripts (plays and screenplays) by emerging and experienced writers. Accepted features are paid for publication. See the submission guidelines for details. Editor: Amanda Johnston Associate Editor: Jae Nichelle Monthly Feature Friday Features Visual Artist Explore All Features Archive Submit Artwork by 2025 Torch Visual Artist, Nitashia Johnson Monthly Feature Friday Features POETRY Friday Feature: Nnenna Loveth Nnenna Loveth (they/she) is an Igbo lesbian poet, dancer, and facilitator who tells stories of liberated Black matrilineal futures. They are utilizing the relationship between dance and poetry to explore themes of Black sapphic intimacies, mother-daughter connections, Odinala, and healing from christian-colonial missions. Her work has been published with Game Over Books, Button Poetry, Voicemail Poems, Beestung Magazine, etc. When Nnenna is not creating, they are somewhere be FICTION Friday Feature: Elaine Omwango Elaine Omwango is a lawyer who has spent the last decade reading and writing speculative fiction. Her previous and forthcoming publications in Flame Tree Publishing, the African Writer, and Mystery Publishers explore Afro-modernity and Afro-futurism through the lens of familial, societal, and economic relationships. Born and raised in Nairobi, she is a lover of iced coffee, sunny days, and dancing. When not battling mystical creatures and journeying across mythical lands, she CREATIVE NONFICTION Friday Feature: Amanda Borquaye Amanda Borquaye is a Ghanaian-American creative nonfiction writer from the American South. She writes from the interior of a youngest daughter in an immigrant family, using the lyrical essay as a way to wade through the fragility of belonging in a decaying empire. Her work embodies the necropolitical, exploring who is allowed to live and who must die in the context of immigrant identity. By day, she works in humanitarian response and international development. She is an alum SCRIPT Friday Feature: JUSTICE Born in Jackson, Tennessee, JUSTICE is a rising film director, screenwriter, and producer. After attending film school at Belmont University, JUSTICE began her career in film and television by crewing on various local productions. While gaining insight into the inner workings of the industry, she simultaneously tends to the hunger of telling her own stories. JUSTICE believes the world lacks perspectives in Black stories rooted in societal abnormality, social commentary, and 2025 Torch Visual Artist: Nitashia Johnson Nitashia Johnson is a multimedia visual artist and educator from Dallas, Texas whose work has been exhibited across Texas and internationally. To care about stories is to care about the world, and understanding our own gives us purpose. For as long as she can remember, storytelling through art has been Nitashia Johnson’s way of understanding the world around her and her place within it. As a multidisciplinary artist and educator from Dallas, Texas, her journey since life st ARCHIVE Explore Torch Magazine's archive featuring Toi Derricotte, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, Elizabeth Alexander, Sapphire, and others. View archived artwork by featured visual artists Toyin Odutola, Wura-Natasha Ogunji, Dawn Okoro, and more. Enter Submit to Torch Magazine Black women writers from across the diaspora are invited to submit to Torch Magazine to be considered for a Friday Feature. There is no fee to submit and all accepted features are paid for publication. See our submission guidelines on Submittable for details. Submit

< Back Torch Literary Arts Welcomes Erin Waelder to the Board of Directors Brittany Heckard Jul 19, 2024 Erin was welcomed to the board in June, bringing her extensive background in development communications. AUSTIN, Tex., July 19, 2024 – Torch Literary Arts is pleased to welcome Erin Waelder to the Board of Directors. Her experience and knowledge in the arts as a development and marketing leader will add innovative fundraising initiatives and guide the leadership team as Torch grows. Erin is a nonprofit arts professional in Austin, TX. As a member of the Development and Marketing teams at the Paramount & State Theatres, she helps manage annual fund campaigns, donor communications, and special content across the organization’s platforms. She has over a decade of experience in fundraising and patron services through her previous positions at Ballet Austin, the Paramount & State Theatres, and the Bullock Texas State History Museum. She is the immediate past Chair of the Community Advisory Board at Austin PBS and volunteers with Preservation Austin. Erin graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from St. Edward’s University. She is dedicated to creating meaningful connections to the community through storytelling and the arts. 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

< Back Celebrate Pride Month by Amplifying Queer Black Voices Brittany Heckard Jun 5, 2024 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! Every June, we’re proud to say we’re an inclusive organization that welcomes and champions the voices of queer Black women and nonbinary writers across the diaspora. Self-expression is one of the freest ways to love yourself, and we want to thank every queer writer who has submitted to Torch and shared their work. This Pride Month, we want to acknowledge and amplify the journeys and queer experiences of our writers. Whether their work explicitly discusses being Black and queer or not, we want everyone to know their voice is celebrated at Torch. In celebrating queer voices, we want to challenge all of our readers to explore and read works from queer writers this and every month. Some of the most revolutionary creative non-fiction, heartfelt poems, and catchiest songs are written by queer Black voices! Torch is always dedicated to creating a welcoming space for queer folk, but this month we want you to join in! Below are a couple of different ways you can continue inspiring inclusion during Pride Month with Torch. Events Amplifying Queer Voices June 18th - The Salon June 28th - Say Word Read Work from Some of Torch Magazine’s Queer Features NitaJade Arisa White DeShara Suggs-Joe Ariana Brown Cindy Elizabeth ### 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 2024 Fall Season Aug 29, 2024 Torch’s 2024 Fall Season includes international poets, a screenwriting panel, workshops on character building and memoirs, the Wildfire Reading Series, and more! Following successful spring and summer seasons, and our August birthday celebration, Torch is excited to kick off our Fall Season this September. This Fall season, you can expect insightful workshops on character building, conversations on screenwriting, a visit from two Irish poets in collaboration with Texas State University and Culture Ireland, and so much more! You can RSVP to Torch’s Fall 2024 events by visiting torchliteraryarts.org/events . Our special events this season include: September 12 Workshop: It’s Your World: Character and World Building with Jennine “Doc” Kreuger September 25 In Conversation Series: Screenwriting Panel with Maya Perez and Shia Shabazz Smith September 28 Wildfire Reading Series: Icess Fernandez Rojas , author of The Opposite of Breathing is Cement: Poetry and Prose at Resistencia Books October 2-23 Workshop: Deborah Deep Mouton’s 4-week workshop on writing and developing a memoir October 9,10, and 12 Writing Across the Diaspora Reading & Conversation: Irish poets Nithy Kasa and FELISPEAKS will read from their works in Austin and at Texas State University. The poets will also provide free public workshops. November 7 Workshop: Questions for the Self: Using Found Text with Victoria Newton Ford November 13 Wildfire Reading Series: Krystal Marquis , author of The Davenports at Black Pearl Books November 15 and 16: Torch x Texas Book Festival: Poets Lynne Thompson and Morgan Parker will read from their works and speak on a panel during the 2024 Texas Book Festival Stay tuned for more fall events!! ### 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

< Back Torch Literary Arts to Open Applications for the 2025 Torch Retreat on February 3rd Jan 10, 2025 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. AUSTIN, Tex., January 10, 2025 – Torch Literary Arts (Torch) is excited to announce the return of the annual Torch Retreat, a week-long paid creative writing retreat for Black women writers to gather in community, complete works-in-progress, and rest. The retreat application opens on February 3rd and will close on February 17th at 11:59 pm (CST). Interested writers with works-in-progress across poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and script (plays and screenplays) can learn more about the retreat application guidelines at torchliteraryarts.org/retreat . “I love that Torch can provide a nurturing environment for Fellows to rest, learn from special guests, and commune with each other,” said Amanda Johnston, executive director. “I’m proud of the space the retreat offers and excited by what happens when you empower Black women to write their stories.” For a third year, retreat fellows will return to the Colton House from July 20-27 for a week-long stay where they will have the opportunity to work on their unfinished projects. The Retreat Fellowship will conclude with a reading at the George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center. Every retreat fellow receives a $1,000 stipend to help with costs associated with travel, supplies, or simply peace of mind while they focus on their work. Fellows are paired according to their genre in a two-bedroom suite with their own private bedroom and bathroom. The Torch Retreat’s inaugural fellowship started in 2023 with six fellows writing across poetry, fiction, and script. Our 2023 retreat fellows include Ashley M. Coleman, Ajanaė Dawkins, Victoria Newton Ford, Ashunda Norris, Obinwanne Nwizu, and Keya Vance. Our 2024 retreat fellows include Sandra Jackson-Opoku, m. mick powell, Esther Ifesinachi Okonkwo, Deborah D.E.E.P Mouton, DW McKinney, Elizabeth Brown, Meredith L. King, and Destiny Hemphill. ### 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 Announces New Board Member Mar 31, 2026 Dalia Azim joins the Torch board, bringing her expertise in literary programming and partnerships in the Austin literary community. Torch is excited to add another member to the Board of Directors. This month, we’re welcoming Dalia Azim to the board. As an organization dedicated to literary excellence, we’re excited to welcome a local board member who is an active leader in the literary community. Dalia Azim was born in Canada and raised in the United States. Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times, American Short Fiction, and Poets & Writers, among other places. Her first novel, Country of Origin , was published in 2022 and received the Discovery Award from the Writers' League of Texas. Dalia lives in Austin, Texas, with her family and is the Chief Operating Officer of the Texas Book Festival. “Dalia has been a longtime Torch supporter personally and professionally through the Texas Book Festival. The partnerships and collaborations created in Austin’s literary arts community strengthen the ecosystem of writers in our city,” said executive director Amanda Johnston. “ Dalia’s experience in the literary community provides the operational and programmatic guidance we want on our board,” said board chair, Dr. Sequoia Maner. “We look forward to working together to support Torch’s mission to amplify and uplift Black women writers.” For more information about Torch Literary Arts and our team, please visit https://www.torchliteraryarts.org/team or follow @torchliteraryarts on Instagram. ### About Torch Literary Arts Torch Literary Arts (Torch) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established with love and intention in 2006 to publish and promote creative writing by Black women. We publish contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers alike. Torch has featured work by Toi Derricotte, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, Elizabeth Alexander, and others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, writing workshops, and retreats. Help Torch continue to publish and promote Black women writers by donating today. Media Contact Information: Brittany Heckard Communications Associate bheckard@torchliteraryarts.org (512) 641-9251 Previous Next

< 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

< Back Erin Waelder Board Member Erin Waelder is a nonprofit arts professional in Austin, TX. As a member of the Development and Marketing teams at the Paramount & State Theatres, she helps manage annual fund campaigns, donor communications, and special content across the organization’s platforms. Erin has over a decade of experience in fundraising and patron services through her previous positions at Ballet Austin, the Paramount & State Theatres, and the Bullock Texas State History Museum. She is the immediate past Chair of the Community Advisor Board at Austin PBS and volunteers with Preservation Austin. Erin graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from St. Edward’s University. She is dedicated to creating meaningful connections to the community through storytelling and the arts.