< 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 Celebrates GivingTuesday with Community and Board Matches, Ignite the Night, and More. Brittany Heckard Nov 22, 2024 Torch is joining millions around the world participating in the global generosity movement on December 3, 2024. This GivingTuesday, Torch Literary Arts will inspire generosity by raising $5,000 to support their efforts to amplify Black women writers across the world. This is our third year participating in GivingTuesday. This year’s efforts come with big news for donation matches! All donations will be matched up to $2,000 thanks to our Giving Tuesday Community Partner, Mantis Massage . Also, Torch’s Executive and Advisory Board members are matching up to $1,000 worth of donations. This means by donating, you are actually tripling your giving amount thanks to their matches! Torch is also activating peer support for GivingTuesday. All around the world, Torch Features, Retreat Fellows, and the wider community are spreading the word about Torch’s impact in their communities. Support during our peer-to-peer campaign not only amplifies the work that Torch does but also provides first-hand accounts of our community impact. Want to join in on supporting? You can access our Peer-to-Peer “P2P Toolkit” here . To wrap up celebrating impact and support, Torch will be celebrating “Ignite the Night” at DAWA HQ on December 3, 2024. At the celebration, we’ll have door prizes, video recaps, food, and community to continue fundraising throughout the day. You can RSVP to “Ignite the Night” here . GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and their world. GivingTuesday will kick off the generosity season this year by inspiring people to give back on December 3, 2024 , and throughout the year. "GivingTuesday inspires people all around the world to embrace their power to drive progress around the causes they care about, not just on one day but throughout the year," said Asha Curran, GivingTuesday’s Chief Executive Officer. "With country and community leaders, millions of organizations, and countless givers of all kinds, GivingTuesday is creating a shared space where we can see the radical implications of a more generous world." Those who are interested in joining Torch’s GivingTuesday initiative can visit torchliteraryarts.org/support . 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. About Mantis Massage Mantis Massage is a 2022 Best of Austin-winning corrective deep tissue massage studio in Austin, TX. Open to all, they have two locations on South Congress and Airport Boulevard and are accepting clients. They support many local Austin nonprofit organizations and are open 7 days a week. Previous Next

< Back Torch Literary Arts Celebrates GivingTuesday with a Board Match, Supporter Toolkit, Giveaway, and More. Nov 19, 2025 Torch is joining millions around the world participating in the global generosity movement on December 2, 2025. This GivingTuesday, Torch Literary Arts will inspire generosity by raising $7,000 to support efforts to amplify Black women writers across the world. This is our fourth year participating in GivingTuesday. To kick off our fundraising, our Board has agreed to match the first $500 donated, getting us to a guaranteed $1,000 in fundraising for GivingTuesday! To celebrate GivingTuesday this year, we’re asking Torch supporters to prepare by saving GivingTuesday to your calendar as a reminder to support Black women writers. You can do that by clicking here to save the date to your personal calendar. We are also participating in a giveaway for Torch supporters based in Austin and the surrounding areas. We’ll be giving away two free tickets to the Austin PBS-produced BLACK DIVAS , a showcase merging cultural, musical, and health advocacy in one night, featuring legendary R&B singer Keke Wyatt! You can find out how to enter the giveaway by visiting our Instagram page . Torch is also activating peer support for GivingTuesday. All around the world, Torch Features, Retreat Fellows, and the wider community are spreading the word about Torch’s impact in their communities. Support during our peer-to-peer campaign not only amplifies the work that Torch does but also provides first-hand accounts of our community impact. Want to join in on supporting? You can access our Peer-to-Peer “P2P Toolkit” here . GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. GivingTuesday will kick off the giving season by inspiring people to give back on December 2, 2025 , and throughout the year. "This GivingTuesday represents more than a single day of giving—it's a powerful reminder of our shared ability to create meaningful change together," said Asha Curran, CEO of GivingTuesday. "When communities unite with purpose and compassion, they don't just raise funds; they strengthen the bonds that make them resilient and hopeful. Every act of generosity, from big to small, becomes part of a collective force that builds a brighter future for all.” Those who are interested in donating to Torch’s GivingTuesday initiative can 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 movement that unleashes the power of generosity around the world. It was created in 2012 at New York’s 92nd Street Y and incubated in its Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact. What started as a simple idea of a day that encourages people to do good has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity year-round. The movement is brought to life through a distributed network of entrepreneurial leaders who lead national movements in more than 110 countries across the globe. An integral part of the global generosity movement is the GivingTuesday organization, which offers support and resources to GivingTuesday leaders and fosters connection and collaboration across the network. To learn more about GivingTuesday, please visit: www.givingtuesday.org . Previous Next

< Back Torch Literary Arts to Open Registration for “A Gathering of Flames: Celebrating 20 Years of Torch Literary Arts” on March 16th Mar 12, 2026 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. AUSTIN, Tex., March 13, 2025 – Torch Literary Arts will open registration for the 20th Anniversary “Gathering of Flames” Conference on March 16th, celebrating two decades of providing community, opportunities, and a platform for Black women writers. The conference will convene on September 25-27, 2026, at the Austin Central Public Library and the George Washington Carver Museum in Austin, Texas. “This celebration is a testament to 20 years of community building and letting Black women writers know that a space already exists for them, no matter where they are in their writing journey,” said executive director Amanda Johnston. “This inaugural event is the foundation for the decades to come.” This is the first time there will be an official gathering for the over 300 Torch Features and Fellows, donors, and supporters of Black women writers. On Friday, the conference will feature notable authors like National Book Award winner Patricia Smith; Yale Windham Campbell Prize winner Sharon Bridgforth; Hurston/Wright Foundation Legacy Award winner Rachel Eliza Griffiths; and NAACP Image Award winner, Crystal Wilkinson. On Saturday, attendees will connect during a day of readings, panels, and writing sessions. On Sunday, the conference will close with a community brunch and open mic. Torch was established in 2006 by the 61st Texas Poet Laureate, Amanda Johnston, who wanted to create a space for Black women writers to feel seen and supported. In 20 years, the organization has transformed into an internationally recognized organization with an unchanged mission to amplify Black women writers. You can find out more about the 20th Anniversary “Gathering of Flames” by visiting torchliteraryarts.org/agatheringofflames2026 , and you can find out more about Torch by visiting torchliteraryarts.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 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 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

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

< Back Torch Literary Arts Receives Burdine Johnson Foundation Grant Brittany Heckard Jun 28, 2024 This is Torch's third year receiving the grant that serves Central Texas arts, education, historical preservation, and environmental sustainability causes. AUSTIN, Tex., June 28, 2024 – Torch Literary Arts (Torch), a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying Black women writers, will receive funding from the Burdine Johnson Foundation. This is the nonprofit’s third year receiving funding from the foundation, contributing to Torch’s operations since becoming a nonprofit organization. “Continuous funding from The Burdine Johnson Foundation for our literary mission is affirming and speaks to Torch’s impact, especially here in Central Texas, where we started,” said Torch founder and executive director, Amanda Johnston. We are grateful for our long-standing relationship with the foundation and want to thank the foundation for their mission to support charitable causes.” Funding from the organization assists Torch’s programs in the Central Texas region and beyond. Thanks to this unrestricted grant from the Burdine Johnson Foundation, Torch is able to host free and low-cost in-person events for the community including the Wildfire Reading Series, our annual Juneteenth event “Carrying the Torch”, the annual Torch Retreat, engaging panels with Torch Features, and many more inclusive events. The Burdine Johnson Foundation has donated over $54 million to charitable causes in Central Texas since its inception in the 1960s. Outside of the geographic range, the foundation supports arts, education, health and human services, historic preservation, and the environment. You can read more about The Burdine Johnson Foundation 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, writing workshops, and retreats. Help Torch continue to publish and promote Black women writers by donating today. About The Burdine Johnson Foundation In 1960, Burdine Clayton Johnson, a pianist, poet and lover of nature, along with her husband, J.M. Johnson, and several trustees, established The Burdine Johnson Foundation in Houston, Texas. The founding mission stated that the funds were to be used for the “purposes of public usefulness” and to administer and distribute the funds “exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary or education purposes.” 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 Announces the Nominations for the O. Henry Prize Aug 30, 2024 Two Torch Features, Felicia A. Rivers and Lydia Mathis, are nominated for their respective short fiction stories. The O. Henry Prize is the oldest major prize for short fiction in America. Awarded since 1919, the prize seeks to provide a prominent platform for short story writers from all around the world and at all points in their careers. The winners’ stories are collected and published annually by Anchor Books. Learn more about the prize here . Our Amazing Torch Nominees Include: “Maestro” by Felicia A. Rivers “A Body Walks into Public Safety” by Lydia Mathis ### 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 Felicia A. Rivers Felicia A. Rivers lives in the Greene Townes west of Philadelphia, PA, USA where she escaped the corporate majority and joined the artistic minority. She earned her MFA from the Bennington Writing Seminars, has showcased plays in Philly and New York, and her work has appeared in various publications, including Menagerie Magazine, The Ampersand, and a tiny Philadelphian street sheet that had a short, but happy life. Also, she daydreams. A lot. About Lydia Mathis Lydia Mathis has an MFA in fiction from New York University. She earned her BA in English literature with a minor in classical civilizations from Agnes Scott College. She has worked as a teacher for Teach for America in Memphis and as a teaching fellow at Coler-Goldwater Hospital in New York City. She is the recipient of A Public Space’s 2023 Editorial Fellowship and is currently an assistant editor at A Public Space. She has stories published in or forthcoming from Stanchion , Southeast Review , Five on the Fifth , oranges journal , and North American Review . 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