Latest News Oct 28, 2026 Continuing our Anniversary Year with the Fall 2026 Season Torch’s 2026 Fall Season continues on this year’s theme of sustaining community, now with a physical space to grow. Read More Oct 9, 2026 Torch Announces the 2026 Nominations for the Best of the Net Eleven Torch Features were nominated for creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and visual art featured in Torch Magazine. Read More Sep 22, 2026 A Grand Opening Recap: A Thank You to Our Community for Showing Up and Celebrating We opened our first-ever physical location at the LINC of Austin with a grand opening reception on August 11 and continued welcoming the community with three weeks of activities. Read More Aug 25, 2026 Celebrate Torch’s 20th Birthday & Our Mission to Amplify Black Women Writers Our wish this August is to gain 20 new Community Impact Members & more! Find out how to celebrate our birthday with events, well wishes, and donations. Read More Jun 28, 2026 Thanking Our Funders for their Support for Black Women Writers In our 20th Anniversary year, seven major funders are stepping up to support Torch’s mission to amplify Black women writers. Read More Jun 1, 2026 June is a Celebratory Time for Black Women Writers This June, we’re celebrating queerness, Black Texans, Caribbean heritage, and lyricists who bring their magic and impact to the Torch community. Read More Apr 29, 2026 Torch Announces First Ever Nominations for Best New Poets Anthology Two Torch Features, Tiezst "Tie" Taylor and Mecca M. Miles, are Torch’s inaugural nominees for their outstanding poems. Read More Apr 2, 2026 Celebrating 20 Years of Highlighting Black Women in Poetry Torch is elated to celebrate National Poetry Month and the Black women poets in our community. Read More Mar 31, 2026 Torch Literary Arts Announces New Board Member Dalia Azim joins the Torch board, bringing her expertise in literary programming and partnerships in the Austin literary community. Read More Mar 12, 2026 Torch Literary Arts to Open Registration for “A Gathering of Flames: Celebrating 20 Years of Torch Literary Arts” on March 16th The inaugural gala and conference will feature Rachel Eliza Griffiths, Sharon Bridgforth, Patricia Smith, and Crystal Wilkinson from September 25-27, 2026, in Austin, Texas. Read More Mar 6, 2026 Celebrating Women and a Sustainable Future with Torch This year’s Women’s History Month Theme urges us to celebrate women who are taking charge in regard to sustainability, and this International Women’s Day urges us to give to gain. Read More Mar 3, 2026 Torch Returns to the 2026 AWP Conference in Baltimore For four days, Torch will join other writing organizations, writers, publishers, students, and more at the largest literary conference in the country. Read More Feb 27, 2026 Torch Literary Arts Welcomes New Team Member Torch adds a new position, Administrative Associate, to help with daily operations and support the needs of Torch Center. Read More Feb 5, 2026 Austin Film Society Joins Torch Literary Arts as New Community Partners The two organizations will amplify a series of film screenings showcasing Black women screenwriters, directors, and films that reflect Black culture. Read More Feb 1, 2026 Celebrating the Milestones of Community and History through Literary Greatness and Storytelling this Black History Month This year’s Black History Month theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” urges us to acknowledge the historical impact of Black narratives. Read More Jan 29, 2026 Kicking Off 20 Years with the Spring 2026 Season Torch’s Spring 2026 Season builds on the history we've made in our 20 years of strengthening the literary community of Black women writers. Read More Jan 29, 2026 Important Transitions to Torch's Board of Directors This board transition includes the retirement of former board treasurer, Candace Lopez, election of new board treasurer, Dana Weekes, and the election of new board secretary, Rachel Winston. Read More Jan 28, 2026 Torch to Raise $10,000 during one of Austin’s Largest Giving Days Torch joins over 700 nonprofits during Amplify Austin to raise funds for Black women writers. Read More Jan 2, 2026 Celebrating a New Year with a Growing Community Taking the time to thank you all for your support in 2025 and share exciting news for 2026. Read More Dec 29, 2025 Ending the Year Strong with Community Impact and Growth Taking time to thank you all for your support in 2025 and share plans to end the year strong. Read More Dec 9, 2025 A Big Thank You to Our Major Funders In 2025, seven major funders supported Torch’s mission to amplify Black women writers. Read More Dec 5, 2025 Torch Raises $5,593 for 2025 GivingTuesday Campaign Joining one of the largest international giving days, Torch raised $5,593. Read More Dec 1, 2025 Torch Announces the 2025 Nominations for the Pushcart Prize Six Torch Features, Jordan E. Franklin, Joi' C Weathers, Imani Nikelle, Yolanda Kwadey, Jennifer Maritza McCauley, and Marchaé Grair are nominated for their respective works. Read More Nov 19, 2025 Torch Literary Arts Celebrates GivingTuesday with a Board Match, Supporter Toolkit, Giveaway, and More. Torch is joining millions around the world participating in the global generosity movement on December 2, 2025. Read More Nov 5, 2025 Torch Literary Arts Returns as a Partnering Organization for the 2025 Texas Book Festival Over two days, Torch will host poets Tiana Clark and Donika Kelly in Austin for a series of inspiring readings and conversations. Read More Oct 22, 2025 Torch Literary Arts Announces Transitions to 2025 Board of Directors This board transition includes the retirement of former board secretary, Stephanie Lang, and the election of new board member, Rachel Winston Read More Oct 15, 2025 Torch Announces the 2025 Nominations for the O. Henry Prize Two Torch Features, Jennifer Coley and Jessica Araújo, are nominated for their respective short fiction stories. Read More Oct 9, 2025 Celebrating the Second Annual Donor-Advised Funds Day Torch Literary Arts encourages families and individuals with donor-advised funds to consider supporting Black women writers and the programs we offer. Read More Sep 16, 2025 Torch Announces the Nominations for the Best of the Net Eleven Torch Features were nominated for their works in creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and visual art in Torch Magazine. Read More Sep 2, 2025 Torch Literary Arts Announces the Torch Center Coming Fall 2025 The local Austin nonprofit organization dedicated to building community for Black women writers will now have a physical location at the LINC of Austin. Read More Aug 28, 2025 Torch Literary Arts Releases Fall 2025 Season Torch’s Fall 2025 Season includes dynamic readings, a screenwriting conversation, book festivals, workshops, and more! Read More Aug 20, 2025 Torch Announces 2026 Dates for 20th Anniversary Celebration “A Gathering of Flames” will take place in Austin, Texas, from September 25 to 27, 2026, celebrating Black women writers and 20 years of Torch’s growing community. Read More Aug 1, 2025 Celebrating Torch and Black Philanthropy Month All August Long Torch is celebrating 19 years of community and impact with CIM goals, new updates, and more! Read More Jun 5, 2025 Celebrating the Intersectionalities of Black Women Writers June is a month full of pride for queer, Caribbean, and song-filled Black women writers and the readers who love them. Read More May 28, 2025 Torch Announces New Community Impact Member Donation Initiative The Community Impact Membership (CIM) program provides Torch’s monthly donors of at least $10 and annual donors of at least $100 with exclusive items and updates. Read More Apr 24, 2025 Torch Announces the 2025 Retreat Fellows Torch returns for a third consecutive year to host eight fellows at their annual retreat for Black women writers at the Colton House in Austin, Texas, from July 20-27, 2025. Read More Apr 1, 2025 Celebrating Black Women's Contributions to Poetry All Month Long Continuing on months of celebrating Black History Month and Women’s History Month, we’re keeping the acknowledgments alive with National Poetry Month Read More Mar 27, 2025 Torch Literary Arts Awarded AWP Writing Organization Award This is the first-ever Writing Organization Award by the Association of Writers & Writing Programs, which is awarded to literary organizations based on the legacy of writing organization advocate Kurt Brown. Read More Mar 17, 2025 Torch Literary Arts Recognized at the Ireland House During SXSW with Prime Minister of Ireland Micheál Martin Torch’s “Writers Across the Diaspora” program in partnership with the Irish Consulate, Culture Ireland, and Texas State University was highlighted. Read More Mar 11, 2025 Celebrating Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day This year’s themes of moving forward together and accelerating change reinforce Torch’s mission to ALWAYS support Black women writers and the stories they share. Read More Mar 7, 2025 Torch Raises over $6,000 during Amplify Austin Campaign Joining over 700 nonprofits for one of the largest giving days in Central Texas, Torch raised over $6,000 to amplify Black women writers worldwide. Read More Feb 10, 2025 Help Torch Raise $10,000 during Amplify Austin’s 2025 Giving Campaign! For the third year in a row, Torch is participating in Austin’s metro-wide giving day to merge the Black women literary community with the wider Austin giving community. Read More Feb 10, 2025 Wintergreen Women Writers Collective and Torch Literary Arts Partner to Host Welcome Table Talks Series featuring Black Women Writers The two literary organizations dedicated to creating community for Black women writers will host a series of talks over the next three years thanks to funding from the Mellon Foundation. Read More Jan 31, 2025 Celebrating Black History Month by Acknowledging Black Women Writers and Their Contributions to Literature Torch is using this year’s Black History Month theme “African Americans and Labor” to highlight the literary work we do to share our voices. Read More Jan 24, 2025 Torch Literary Arts Announces 2025 Spring Season Torch’s 2025 Spring Season is full of community collaborations, readings, writing workshops, and more to empower and encourage Black women to continue telling their stories. Read More Jan 10, 2025 Torch Literary Arts to Open Applications for the 2025 Torch Retreat on February 3rd The Torch Retreat will host its third annual writing retreat for Black women writers at the Colton House in Austin, Texas from July 20-27, 2025. Read More Jan 3, 2025 City of Austin Cultural Arts Division Awards Torch Literary Arts the Thrive Grant along with Other Cultural Arts Organizations in Austin The Cultural Arts Division awarded $13 million in funds to local arts and cultural organizations for a second year with Thrive and Elevate grants. Read More Jan 3, 2025 Torch Literary Arts Announces Retirement of Board Member Dr. Omi Osun Joni L. Jones Dr. Omi Osun Joni L. Jones joined the board in 2023 bringing her expertise as an artist, performer, author, and scholar to help support Black women writers. Read More Jan 3, 2025 Welcoming the New Year with Love and Community Taking the time to thank you all for your support in 2024 and share exciting news for 2025 Read More Dec 12, 2024 'Tis the Season for Gifts & Giving Find out how to support Torch and our community sponsors and supporters this holiday season! Read More Dec 4, 2024 Torch Surpasses Fundraising Goal for 2024 GivingTuesday Campaign Joining one of the largest international giving days, Torch surpassed its fundraising goal of $5,000. Read More Nov 22, 2024 Torch Literary Arts Celebrates GivingTuesday with Community and Board Matches, Ignite the Night, and More. Torch is joining millions around the world participating in the global generosity movement on December 3, 2024. Read More Nov 22, 2024 Torch Announces the Nominations for the Pushcart Prize Six Torch Features, Erica Frederick, A. E. Wynter, Sydney Mayes, Chidima Anekwe, Chyann Hector, and Mon Misir, are nominated for their respective works. Read More Nov 15, 2024 Torch Executive Director and Features Named as Brooks Living Legacy Honorees 20 Torch community members were named Living Legacy Honorees Read More Nov 1, 2024 Torch Literary Arts to Celebrate and Amplify Black Women Writers During the 2024 Texas Book Festival Over two days, Torch will host poet, essayist, and novelist Morgan Parker and Los Angeles Poet Laureate Lynne Thompson, and embark on a literary book crawl showcasing the works of the organization’s previous features. Read More Oct 18, 2024 Torch Literary Arts Welcomes New Team Members Thanks to capacity-building funding, Torch adds a Creative Content Associate and Administrative Fellow to the Team. Read More Oct 7, 2024 Celebrating National Book Month with Torch Literary Arts This October, Torch is celebrating National Book Month with Torch Day, an inaugural international program, and much more! Read More Sep 6, 2024 Torch Announces the Nominations for the Best of the Net Nine Torch Features were nominated for their works in creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and visual art in Torch Magazine. Read More Sep 5, 2024 Torch Literary Arts Receives National Book Foundation Grant The National Book Foundation awarded Torch funding from the Capacity-Building Grant Program. Read More Aug 30, 2024 Torch Announces the Nominations for the O. Henry Prize Two Torch Features, Felicia A. Rivers and Lydia Mathis, are nominated for their respective short fiction stories. Read More Aug 29, 2024 Torch Literary Arts Releases 2024 Fall Season Torch’s 2024 Fall Season includes international poets, a screenwriting panel, workshops on character building and memoirs, the Wildfire Reading Series, and more! Read More Aug 2, 2024 Celebrate Torch’s 18th Birthday & Our Mission to Amplify Black Women Writers Our wish this August is to gain 18 new monthly recurring Torch supporters & more! Find out how to celebrate our birthday with events, well wishes, and donations. Read More Jul 19, 2024 Torch Literary Arts Welcomes Erin Waelder to the Board of Directors Erin was welcomed to the board in June, bringing her extensive background in development communications. Read More Jul 12, 2024 Torch Literary Arts Receives Poetry Foundation Grant Torch Literary Arts (Torch), a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying Black women writers, will receive funding from the Poetry Foundation. This is the nonprofit’s second year receiving funding from the foundation. Read More Jun 28, 2024 Torch Literary Arts Receives Burdine Johnson Foundation Grant This is Torch's third year receiving the grant that serves Central Texas arts, education, historical preservation, and environmental sustainability causes. Read More Jun 5, 2024 Celebrate Pride Month by Amplifying Queer Black Voices At Torch, we recognize the many impactful contributions that queer Black women writers have given us and wish a Happy Pride to all those celebrating! Read More May 31, 2024 Torch Feature Yael Valencia Aldana Receives Pushcart Prize For the second year in a row, a Torch Feature has received a Pushcart Prize for their amazing work published in Torch Magazine. Read More May 24, 2024 Torch Literary Arts to Receive Grants for Arts Allocation from the National Endowment for the Arts This is Torch's second year receiving funding from National Endowment for the Arts. Funding will go towards artist honorariums for retreats, workshops, panels, and readings. Read More Apr 12, 2024 Torch Announces the 2024 Retreat Fellows Eight fellows were selected to attend the second annual retreat for Black women writers at the Colton House in Austin, Texas from July 21-28, 2024. Read More Apr 11, 2024 Torch Literary Arts Welcomes Dana Weekes to Board of Directors Dana Weekes was welcomed to the board in March, bringing her extensive background in law and policy, and commitment to creation as self-care. Read More Apr 5, 2024 Celebrating National Poetry Month with an Ode to Poets Every April, Torch is elated to celebrate the Black women who put words to feelings by celebrating National Poetry Month Read More Mar 22, 2024 Website Updates: New Transparency Documents, Including Three-Year Strategic Plan Torch Literary Arts updates website to include transparency documents including IRS Form 990s, Annual Reports, and the 2024-2026 Strategic Plan. Read More Mar 8, 2024 Celebrating Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day Torch Literary Arts acknowledges and celebrates the many literary contributions of women to history and the wonderful Black women writers across the diaspora. Read More Feb 16, 2024 Torch Literary Arts Opens Applications for the 2024 Torch Retreat The Torch Retreat will host its second annual writing retreat for Black women writers at the Colton House in Austin, Texas from July 21-28, 2024. Read More Feb 9, 2024 Celebrating Black History & Futures 24/7, 366 days This Black History Month, Torch acknowledges the importance of amplifying Black women writers year-round. Read More Jan 30, 2024 Austin Community Foundation Announces Torch Literary Arts as one of The Black Fund Grant Partners The Black Fund’s recognition of Torch Literary Arts as a grant partner allows Torch to continue hosting special events for Black women writers in the Austin community. Read More Jan 26, 2024 Torch Literary Arts Unveils 2024 Spring Season Torch’s 2024 Spring Season is full of workshops, panels, an interactive literary cooking event, and much more to help Black women writers share their unique stories. Read More Jan 16, 2024 Torch Literary Arts Announces Transitions to 2024 Board of Directors This year’s board transition includes the retirement of former board chair, Florinda Bryant, and elections of new board chair, Dr. Sequoia Maner, new secretary, Stephanie Lang, and new board member, Shannon Johnson Read More Jan 9, 2024 Culture Ireland Awards Torch Literary Arts Funding to Host Irish Poets Torch will use the Culture Ireland funding to host Irish poets Nithy Kasa and FELISPEAKS for interactive writing workshops from October 1-7, 2024. Read More

< Back Continuing our Anniversary Year with the Fall 2026 Season Oct 28, 2026 Torch’s 2026 Fall Season continues on this year’s theme of sustaining community, now with a physical space to grow. Building on 20 years and our Spring Season’s theme of programmatic foundations and new collaborations, Torch is excited to finish celebrating our anniversary year with our Fall 2026 Season. This time, with the opening of the Torch Center! Our recurring events still include the Writing Circle, which occurs twice a month on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings. You can sign up to write virtually with the global Torch community signing up here . Our other recurring event, the Turn Up Open Mic, is on the first Tuesday of every month and gives local community members a dedicated space to share their work. You can purchase tickets to The Turn Up here . Our special events this season include: Torch x AFS: Wild Style on November 1 and November 3 Torch is a proud promotional partner of Austin Film Society (AFS). Join us for this special screening of Wild Style , a fun hybrid doc following hip-hop directed by Charlie Arhean. Use Torch’s discount (TORCH4) and get $4 off your ticket for being part of the Torch community! The Turn Up Open Mic on November 3 The Turn Up is Torch’s monthly open mic series at the Torch Center. Poets, storytellers, and songwriters are welcome to sign up for the open mic. Black and BIPOC women are encouraged to share their original work. An Evening with Shara McCallum on November 5 Join us for An Evening with Shara McCallum, author of Behold . Presented by Austin Community College , this event will include a reading, conversation, and book signing. November Saturday Open House on November 7 Torch is extending normal Torch Center hours to Saturday brunch-goers and shoppers. You can spend your Saturday at the Torch Center! Shop for your new favorite book, stay for coworking and community. Every purchase supports Torch Literary Arts. Torch x AFS: Boyz N The Hood on November 10 and November 14 Torch is a proud promotional partner of Austin Film Society (AFS). Join us for this screening of Boyz N The Hood , a special 3-part screening series commemorating Mark D. Cunningham’s new book, Once Upon a Time in South Central LA: John Singleton’s Hood Trilogy . Use Torch’s discount (TORCH4) and get $4 off your ticket for being part of the Torch community! Torch x Texas Book Festival feat. Deesha Philyaw and LaToya Watkins on November 14 We’re proud to join the Texas Book Festival once again as a community partner for the Texas Book Festival ! Join us for a conversation featuring Deesha Philyaw, author of The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman , and LaToya Watkins, author of The Book of Chuck ! A book signing will follow. Texas Book Festival Lit Crawl Torch Showcase with Amy DuBois Barnett, LaToya Watkins, Amena Brown, Elizabeth Acevedo, and Renée Watson. Hosted by Amanda Johnston on November 14 Join us for this inspiring evening of literature with Amy DuBois Barnett, LaToya Watkins, Amena Brown, Elizabeth Acevedo, and Renée Watson. Hosted by Amanda Johnston. Click here to learn more about the Lit Crawl. Torch x AFS: Poetic Justice on November 17 and November 21 Torch is a proud promotional partner of Austin Film Society (AFS). Join us for this screening of Poetic Justice , a special 3-part screening series commemorating Mark D. Cunningham’s new book, Once Upon a Time in South Central LA: John Singleton’s Hood Trilogy . Use Torch’s discount (TORCH4) and get $4 off your ticket for being part of the Torch community! Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie at the State Theatre on November 20 The State Theatre, Torch Literary Arts, and Texas Book Festival Present KNIFE: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie . A Q&A with Cinematographer/Exec Producer Rachel Eliza Griffiths will follow. Arrive early to shop Torch Literary Arts’ pop-up bookshop in the lobby, and stay after the screening for a Q&A with the film’s cinematographer and executive producer Rachel Eliza Griffiths. Torch x AFS: Baby Boy on November 24 and November 28 Torch is a proud promotional partner of Austin Film Society (AFS). Join us for this screening of Baby Boy , a special 3-part screening series commemorating Mark D. Cunningham’s new book, Once Upon a Time in South Central LA: John Singleton’s Hood Trilogy . Use Torch’s discount (TORCH4) and get $4 off your ticket for being part of the Torch community! The Turn Up Open Mic on December 1 The Turn Up is Torch’s monthly open mic series at the Torch Center. Poets, storytellers, and songwriters are welcome to sign up for the open mic. Black and BIPOC women are encouraged to share their original work. Last Holiday at the Torch Center on December 9 Get into the holiday spirit with this free special movie night complete with Torch community and a special holiday activity. You can RSVP and check out more details for specific events by visiting torchliteraryarts.org/events . We can’t wait to see you! ### 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. About Austin Film Society (AFS) 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. About Texas Book Festival The Texas Book Festival, the largest book event in Texas and one of the premier literary Festivals in the nation, returns for its 29th year on November 16–17 in downtown Austin! Free and open to all, attendees can look forward to a star-studded lineup of more than 250 authors, engaging programming for all ages, book signings, food trucks, cooking demonstrations, and a Saturday night Lit Crawl in East Austin. About Paramount Theatre The Paramount and State Theatres host over 550 events annually – from star-studded film premieres to the nation’s largest comedy festival – while bringing arts into the classroom for thousands of Central Texas students. Through it all, we ensure the careful preservation of these treasured monuments to Austin’s history. Previous Next

Torch Literary Arts publishes creative writing by Black women online. We curate public events including our Wildfire Reading Series and offer workshops and retreats. Introducing our law firm Amplifying Black Women Writers 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 Magazine 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, retreats, and special events. Torch Magazine Read Online October 2026 Feature: Elizabeth Alexander Elizabeth Alexander is the author of multiple award-winning books, including The Trayvon Generation, American Sublime, and The Light of the World. She has been awarded the Jackson Poetry Prize, the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship, the George Kent Award, the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, and three Pushcart Prizes for Poetry. Elizabeth Alexander is a prize-winning and New York Times best-selling author, renowned poet, educator, scholar, and cu Friday Feature: Sheree L. Ross Sheree L. Ross is an award winning screenwriter and director, born in the Midwest, with deep southern roots. She is Black, female, queer…and her stories often reflect the strong, flawed nature of Black southern queer folx, whether through action, drama, mystery or comedy. Sheree was one of the co-writer's for the Audible narrative drama, Loops, starring Vivica A. Fox, produced by Migrante Media. Her romantic comedy Accidental Hearts won the Austin Short Film Festival and was 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 EVENTS The Turn Up Open Mic Tue, Nov 03 Torch Literary Arts - Torch Center More info Learn more An Evening with Shara McCallum Thu, Nov 05 Torch Literary Arts - Torch Center More info Learn more November Saturday Open House Sat, Nov 07 Torch Literary Arts - Torch Center More info Learn more Load More Read News Learn More

< Back Torch Announces the 2026 Nominations for the Best of the Net Oct 9, 2026 Eleven Torch Features were nominated for creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and visual art featured in Torch Magazine. Torch’s online Torch Magazine features award-winning writing by emerging and experienced Black women writers. One of the many benefits of becoming a Torch Feature is not only being paid $150 for your work, but also being considered for awards. This year, Torch’s Associate Editor, Jae Nichelle, and Executive Director, Amanda Johnston, are excited to announce the Torch Feature nominations for the Best of the Net prize. Best of the Net is an awards-based anthology for diverse writers and the online literary publications that publish them. The award recognizes poetry, nonfiction, fiction, and art. The winners are collected and published by Sundress Publications. You can learn more about the prize here . Our amazing 2026 Torch Nominees include: Creative Nonfiction “ Victoria Island Blues ” by Mofiyinfoluwa O. “ But That's a Long, Long Time Ago ” by Idza Luhumyo Fiction “ A HUNDRED, BRILLIANT SUNS ” by Testimony Odey “ Documenti ” by Jae Broderick Poetry “ joking ” by Shy-Zahir Moses “ saint handyman ” by a. adenike phillips “ Numerical ” by Nina Oteria “ funerary rites ” by Joy tabernacle KMT-Battle “ Unremarkable ” by Alisha S. Lockley “ Good Times ” by Lolita Stewart-White Visual Art Nitashia Johnson ### 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

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, writing sessions, and more. Let's gather in the joy of literature! Space is limited. We strongly encourage you to purchase your ticket as soon as possible. Get Tickets Employer PD Request Letter 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 writing sessions, 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. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided, along with an evening reception. Community 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. Detailed Schedule Featured Presenters To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Thank You to our Sponsors and Partners Be a Sponsor Chris Hyams & Lize Burr Carrie Kenny & Sarah Sloan The Johnston Family Peggy Kenny Katherine Johnson Lester Charles Landgraf Priscilla Hale Jasmine Vallejo-Love Special Thanks To

< Back A Grand Opening Recap: A Thank You to Our Community for Showing Up and Celebrating Sep 22, 2026 We opened our first-ever physical location at the LINC of Austin with a grand opening reception on August 11 and continued welcoming the community with three weeks of activities. The ribbon is cut, and the space is ours! On August 11, Torch community members gathered to celebrate the first-ever physical location for Torch Literary Arts. In just three weeks, we’ve: welcomed over 250 visitors; hosted our signature events including the Wildfire Reading Series, Carrying the Torch, and Turn Up Open Mic; enjoyed shoppers purchasing from our curated Lit Shop; and spent time being productive with coworking visitors. “Opening the Torch Center during our 20th anniversary year and birthday month is divine,” executive director of Torch, Amanda Johnston. “The space will be known as the literary hub for Black women writers all over the world located here in Austin, Texas.” At the grand opening, staff welcomed patrons to browse the free library, co-work, shop our curated bookshop, and enjoy each other in a space dedicated to Black women writers. We also heard from City of Austin leadership, Council member José “Chito” Vela , and Director of the Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (ACME) , Angela Means, about the importance of diverse literary arts to Austin’s culture. Guests were also blessed with words and performances from: 61st Poet Laureate and Torch Executive Director, Amanda Johnston ; Austin’s inaugural Poet Laureate, Zell Miller III ; Chicago’s inaugural Poet Laureate, avery r. young ; and Austin Community College’s Creative Writing Department Chair, C. Prudence Arceneaux . These literary powerhouses and phenomenal poets established the foundational energy needed to open a space. We are immensely grateful to our community locally and from afar that stopped by to celebrate with us! From community partners like Texas Book Festival , Ireland’s Consulate in Austin , CBS Austin , and Paramount Austin , to those who traveled near and far from Central Texas, Dallas, and San Antonio. We also want to give a special thanks to our past and present board members for their continued support and encouragement! The space is also an economic force for the nonprofit and creative communities in the Austin area. Local creatives and nonprofit organizations can book the Torch Center at an affordable half and a full-day rate by emailing contact@torchliteraryarts.org . Our affordable rental rate reduces barriers to entry for our Austin creative and nonprofit community while also boosting the local creative arts economy. In just two weeks of being open, we’ve hosted two grant writing workshops for local Austin creatives in partnership with The City of Austin and the Museum of Human Achievement (MOHA), welcoming over 45 guests to each workshop. We’ve also hosted local community partners Black Pearl Book’s Put It in a Book writing workshop. The Torch Center is more than a centrally located space for Black women writers, but also a literary hub fostering community. Outside of recurring events like the Wildfire Reading Series and The Turn Up Open Mic, the Torch Center also offers a curated “LIT” shop with merchandise and diverse books, and small-fee dedicated coworking desks open Tuesday to Thursday from noon to 6pm. Outside of our normal business hours, you can visit and celebrate what we’ve been able to accomplish with your support by attending our upcoming events online at torchliteraryarts.org/events . You can also be a permanent part of the Torch Center if you become a Community Impact Member (CIM) by December 31! By supporting Torch with just a $10 recurring donation or $100 annually, your name will be displayed on our CIM acknowledgement banner, displayed permanently at the space. We hope to see you in person soon! Previous Next

The Team Amanda Johnston Founder / Executive Director Read More Sierra Lewis Administrative Associate Read More Dana Weekes Board Treasurer Read More Dalia Azim Board Member Read More Jen Margulies Advisory Board Member Read More Brittany Heckard Communications Associate Read More Dr. Sequoia Maner Board Chair Read More Shannon Johnson Board Member Read More Hallie S. Hobson Advisory Board Member Read More Sheree L. Ross Advisory Board Member Read More Jae Nichelle Associate Editor Read More Rachel E. Winston Board Secretary Read More Erin Waelder Board Member Read More Raina Fields Advisory Board Member Read More Parneshia Jones Advisory Board Member Read More

< Back Jen Margulies Advisory Board Member Jen Margulies brings twenty-five years of experience with nonprofit organizations working for social justice, including ten years as an independent grant writer and consultant. She worked with Six Square to win a major National Endowment for the Arts “Our Town” grant to support cultural placemaking in historic Black East Austin. She is also an editor of several books of poetry through Evelyn Street Press, and of Voices for Racial Justice, a compilation co-edited with Sharon Bridgforth and published in collaboration with the Greater Austin YWCA. Jen was a member of Omi Osun Joni L. Jones’s The Austin Project and has been honored to learn from Black women writers and artists on the page, on the stage, on the screen, and in the world. She is committed to art as a force for liberation.

< Back Torch Literary Arts Announces Transitions to 2024 Board of Directors Brittany Heckard Jan 16, 2024 This year’s board transition includes the retirement of former board chair, Florinda Bryant, and elections of new board chair, Dr. Sequoia Maner, new secretary, Stephanie Lang, and new board member, Shannon Johnson AUSTIN, Tex., January 16, 2024 – Torch Literary Arts (Torch), a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying Black women writers, is welcoming 2024 with a new board chair, Dr. Sequoia Maner, new secretary, Stephanie Lang, and new board member, Shannon Johnson, while also bidding a sweet farewell to longtime Torch friend and former board chair, Florinda Bryant. “To serve as a chair to the executive board of Torch Literary Arts is an honor. Our goals to continue to uplift Black women writers are tremendous and it brings me great joy to work behind the scenes to execute this vision. To 2024 and beyond,” said board chair, Dr. Sequoia Maner. Torch’s new board chair is Dr. Sequoia Maner, who is an assistant professor of English at Spelman College where she teaches 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). 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 Wir e, Auburn Avenue , and elsewhere. Our new secretary, Stephanie Lang, is a published writer and community curator who uses the power of storytelling to explore concepts of home and resistance. She is the Director of Community-Driven Initiatives at the Office of the Vice President for Campus and Community Engagement at The University of Texas at Austin. In 2018, after the success of multiple community curatorial projects, Ms. Lang founded RECLAIM, an organization working to discover, recover, and ultimately showcase the narratives and histories of black people throughout the diaspora, and present these findings through an artistic and thought-provoking lens. Torch welcomes our newest board member, Shannon Johnson, who has over 20 years of technology experience in Fortune 100 companies, start-ups, and management consulting. She has led technology teams at Merck, Ernst & Young, Dell, and BigCommerce. In addition, Shannon was recognized as Central Texas Black Business Journal’s Most Influential Technologist for 2021 and 2022. Shannon is passionate about empowering women and mentoring the next generation of young leaders. She currently serves on the Advisory Board for VentureLab and previously served on Girlstart’s Central Texas Council and UT Austin’s WIELD board. “It is exciting to experience the amount of growth and support we have from our intentional and dedicated board of directors,” said Amanda Johnston, executive director of Torch. “Since launching Torch in 2006, we’ve grown from a family of supporters to a nonprofit with a board of writers, scholars, and lovers of all things literature. I look forward to working with the board to nurture and sustain Torch Literary Arts for years to come.” Retiring from Torch’s board after more than a decade of unwavering support is former board chair, the incomparable, Florinda Bryant. Florinda is an interdisciplinary artist and arts educator who calls Austin home. As a performer and director, she is no stranger to many stages in Austin, having worked with Salvage Vanguard Theater, the Rude Mechs, the Vortex, Paper Chairs, and Teatro Vivo. She currently leads community engagement as the Program Coordinator at the African American Cultural & Heritage Facility. For more information about Torch Literary Arts, please visit https://www.torchliteraryarts.org/ 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 Celebrating Black History & Futures 24/7, 366 days Brittany Heckard Feb 9, 2024 This Black History Month, Torch acknowledges the importance of amplifying Black women writers year-round. What does Black History Month mean to an organization dedicated to Black women? Is our work quantifiable? Do we use these 28 (this year, 29) days to amplify the work we’ve BEEN doing? For us, this month is a reminder to the world that we’re here, and we’re not going anywhere. Storytelling is Black women’s tool for preserving history. Torch started in 2006 with a mission to amplify Black women writers across the diaspora. We all have impactful stories to tell, yet are continuously undermined in publishing, literary awards, and general recognition. The National Endowment for the Arts found that around 25% of adult readers are people of color . However, according to the New York Times, from 1950 to 2018, 95% of published fiction books were written by white authors . This lack of diversity and representation in publishing is why Torch exists. Torch’s work to establish a community for Black women writers these past 18 years laid the foundation for our nonprofit status in 2022. However, establishing a foundation and continuity as a nonprofit is only the first step of our journey toward sustainability. Historically, Black-led nonprofit organizations are underfunded. According to Young, Black & Giving Back Institute, most Black-led nonprofits operate on a budget of less than $500,000 annually , relying mostly on volunteer and part-time work. Despite the institutional ebbs and flows of Black recognition and diversity suppression, Torch remains a community dedicated to achieving our mission. In 2023 alone, we held 12 special events, hosted 5 workshops, started our inaugural Torch Retreat , gathered for 3 Wildfire Reading series, and published 41 Black women. And yes, all of our Torch Features get paid for their work. Without you attending our events, donating to our fundraisers, and sharing our Features’ works, we wouldn’t be able to continue on the visionary journey of paying Black women and amplifying our stories. Thank you for your contribution year-round. To Black Futures, The Torch Team Donate to Support Torch and Amplify Black Women Writers Previous Next

< Back Torch Literary Arts Announces 2025 Spring Season Brittany Heckard Jan 24, 2025 Torch’s 2025 Spring Season is full of community collaborations, readings, writing workshops, and more to empower and encourage Black women to continue telling their stories. This year, we are doubling down on the need for Black women to feel seen, heard, and supported through their writing journey. 2025 is our year of testament to show that despite changes, restrictions, or setbacks, we continue to thrive when love and support are the foundation of our community. This season, there is an exciting update to the Torch’s Writing Circle . Instead of meeting solely on Mondays, we will alternate the virtual event between Saturday mornings and Monday evenings, giving writers worldwide various options to meet. Our next Writing Circle will be this Saturday, January 25th at 11 a.m. CST. Our special events this season include: Carver Museum Solar Saturday on February 1 : Torch Poetry Showcase Featuring Marzetta and Shasparay. Torch Literary Arts is joining the Carver Museum’s Solar Saturday to kick off Black History Month this year. This free event invites Austin residents and beyond to a free afternoon of programming for all generations. As a full-site activation, we will have fun events in the conference room, the classroom, the dance studio, the theatre, and the drum - not to mention the gallery will be open! Vinyl records on long play will fill the halls, a vendor market will be poppin'! Light snacks and refreshments will be served, along with interactive arts and crafts programming to engage the brain. Torch’s showcase is scheduled for 2:30-3:30 p.m . You can RSVP here . World Read Aloud Day with Torch and Kendra Scott on February 5: A Virtual Fundraising Event For 48 hours, Feb. 5th to 6th, our friends at Kendra Scott Jewelry will donate 20% of purchases when you use the Torch code to help us celebrate and amplify Black women's voices. Visit Kendra Scott at the Domain or shop online . Enter the Torch Code: GIVEBACK-IMGQX to support Torch Literary Arts! Follow @TorchLiteraryArts on IG for readings by our beloved Torch community members. Wildfire Reading Series on February 26: Renée Watson Torch Literary Arts with Black Pearl Books presents the Wildfire Reading Series featuring #1 New York Times bestselling and Newbery Honor Renée Watson, author of All the Blues in the Sky . Join us for a free reading, conversation, Q&A, and book signing as Watson explores friendship, loss, and life with grief in this poignant new novel in verse and vignettes. Donations are appreciated, and you can find out more here . Inaugural Welcome Table Talk Series on March 11: Building Black Feminist Institutions in Uncertain Times Join us for a historical virtual event presented by the Wintergreen Women Writers Collective and Torch Literary Arts. Kicking off the first of many, the inaugural Welcome Table Talk will commence with Dr. Joanne Gabbin and Amanda Johnston. More details coming soon! Playwriting Workshop on March 13: Who all over there? Learning the Character of Your Characters with Florinda Bryant Compelling storytelling in playwriting is rooted in character development. In this virtual generative character development workshop, participants will dig deep into the characters in the worlds of their work using theatrical jazz performance practices. We will use text from Omi Osun/Dr. Joni L. Jones, Theatrical Jazz: Performance, Àse, and the Power of the Present Moment , as we contemplate the question, what does telling the "truth" have to do with theatre, and how does it inform my character development and archetypes? Participants will leave with prompts and activities designed to find the truth of the characters and figures that drive the plot forward. Find out more here . Songwriting Workshop on April 19: Megz of Magna Carda We’ll be hosting our first-ever virtual and free songwriting workshop taught by Megz of Magna Carda. The class will be capped at 10 participants once sign-up opens and a lottery will happen if we exceed 10 RSVPs. More details are coming soon! Stay updated by visiting here for more details . Wildfire Reading Series on February 26: Kendra Allen Torch Literary Arts presents the Wildfire Reading Series featuring Kendra Allen, author of the memoir Fruit Punch . Join us at the wonderful BookWoman for a free reading, conversation, Q&A, and book signing. Donations are appreciated, and you can find out more here . You can RSVP and check back for added Spring 2025 events by visiting torchliteraryarts.org/events . We can’t wait to see you! ### 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. About Kaitlyn “Marzetta” McClung Kaitlyn “Marzetta” McClung is an independent multidisciplinary artist, musician, and literary scholar based in Austin, Texas. Merging the creative and academic, Marzetta posits the human condition within the scope of queerness and womanhood across the Black African diaspora. With Southern roots informing her research and writing interests, Marzetta earned her M.A. in English from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, and B.A. in English and communications media from Alabama A&M University. Marzetta has hosted and performed at the New York City Poetry Festival, Deep Vellum Books in Dallas, and was selected as an emerging literary artist with the Utah Literary Arts Festival. She is a published poet and essayist eager to explore various creative mediums and collaborate with local artists for impact storytelling. Her debut book The Garden: Poems can be found on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.” About Shasparay Shasparay (she/they) is a multi-hyphenate performing artist born and raised in Austin, TX. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of the annual Black Arts Matter Festival and is the 2024 Austin Poetry Slam Grandslam Champion. She was also the 2022 4th Ranked Woman Slam Poet in the World (W.OW.P.S). Shasparay completed a Master's in Arts Administration at the Wisconsin School of Business Bolz Center and holds a B.S. in Theatre from UW-Madison. She was a recipient of the First Wave Hip Hop and Urban Arts Full Tuition Scholarship, a speaker at the 2016 TEDxYouth Austin conference, and is a National NAACP ACT-SO Gold Medalist. Shasparay has been a finalist in national and regional slam competitions such as Women of the World Poetry Slam, Stone Wall International Poetry Slam, Southern Fried Poetry Slam, Texas Grand Slam, and is a two-time Lip Stick Wars Poetry Slam Champion. She has been featured on platforms such as the New York Times, Button Poetry, Huffington Post, Youth Speaks, and Buzzfeed. Lastly, she is an AudioVerse award-winning cast member of the highly acclaimed horror anthology podcast Old Gods of Appalachia. About Renée Watson Renée Watson is a # 1 New York Times bestselling author. Her novel, Piecing Me Together , received a Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award. Her books include the Ryan Hart series, Some Places More Than Others , This Side of Home , What Momma Left Me , Betty Before X , cowritten with Ilyasah Shabazz, Watch Us Rise , co-written with Ellen Hagan, and Love Is a Revolution , as well as acclaimed picture books: Summer Is Here , Maya's Song , The 1619 Project: Born on the Water , written with Nikole Hannah-Jones, A Place Where Hurricanes Happen , and Harlem's Little Blackbird , which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Renée splits her time between Portland, Oregon, and New York City. About Florinda Bryant Florinda Bryant is an award-winning interdisciplinary artist, activist, and educator – a Texas gurl who calls Austin home. As a performer and director, she has worked with Salvage Vanguard Theater, the Rude Mechs, the Vortex, Paper Chairs, Theater en Bloc, Teatro Vivo in Austin, TX, and the Ensemble Theater in Houston, Texas. The regional premiere of her one-woman show "Black do Crack" at Ground Floor Theater in Austin, Texas was nominated for five B. Iden Payne Awards including Outstanding Production of a Drama, Original Script, Direction of a Drama, Dramaturgy, and Lead Actress in a Drama, which she won. Florinda has worked with at-risk communities, young men and women, and adults – using performance as a social justice tool for empowerment and change for over 18 years. About Megan “Megz” Trufant Megan “Megz” Trufant Tillman is a writer-musician-director multi-hyphenate with Southern roots – hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana. She is co-founder and one-half of Austin-based jazz/neosoul/hip hop outfit Magna Carda, and has played stages at ACL and SXSW, toured nationally, and has played with artists such as Black Pumas, Oddisee, Noname, GZA, Raekwon, Lizzo, BADBADNOTGOOD, and Raphael Saadiq. Her film works include her directorial debut, the award-winning New Orleans-set short film 'little trumpet' and her most recent short film – as co-director and co-writer – NEWBIES. She most recently served as a writer on the music video for the Oscar-winning song “Fight For You” by H.E.R., and Amazon’s H.E.R. Prime Day episode, as well as music supervisor for short films 'Prepared' and 'little trumpet'. She is also the founder and editor of WATER, a boutique bookshop and Black literary and arts magazine. Her creative work centers Black life and culture as well as the Black South. bymegz.com About Kendra Allen Kendra Allen was born and raised in Dallas, TX. She's the author of the memoir Fruit Punch , the poetry collection The Collection Plate , and the essay collection When You Learn the Alphabet, which won the Iowa Prize for Literary Nonfiction in 2018. You can find some of her other works on, or in, Oxford American, High Times, Repeller, Southwest Review, The Paris Review, The Rumpus , and more. In her spare time, she loves laughing, leaving, and contemplating what's the greatest rap verse of all time. Media Contact Information: Brittany Heckard Communications Associate bheckard@torchliteraryarts.org (512) 641-9251 Previous Next

< Back Celebrate Torch’s 18th Birthday & Our Mission to Amplify Black Women Writers Brittany Heckard Aug 2, 2024 Our wish this August is to gain 18 new monthly recurring Torch supporters & more! Find out how to celebrate our birthday with events, well wishes, and donations. Do you know what this month is? It’s Torch’s Anniversary. Can you believe that we’re celebrating our 18th year of operations? We can! Mainly because since our inception in 2006, our community has been full of supportive, uplifting, and dedicated people who see and understand the importance of Black women writers. This Birthday Month, we want to turn it up a notch. After all, what 18th birthday isn’t full of fun? To celebrate our 18th birthday, our one birthday wish is to gain 18 new recurring monthly donors and one-time donations of $18 from our loving community. Growing our recurring givers helps us ensure that we are meeting our fundraising goals to provide the necessary support we offer Black women writers all over the world. Since our start in 2006, we’ve grown significantly, thanks to our Torch community! We’ve grown our staff to include part-time positions like associate editor, communications associate, programs associate, content fellow, programs fellow, and hopefully more. Our spring and fall seasons are filled with free workshops, readings, writing circles, monthly open mics, and special events and partnership. None of this could be possible without your support. August is also Black Philanthropy Month , an international giving day supporting Black-led nonprofits. Between our birthday and celebrating the network of other Black-led nonprofits, there’s so much to celebrate! Here are a few ways you can support Torch this month: Ways to Celebrate Torch’s 18th Birthday Help us gain 18 new recurring donors by donating here and “make it monthly!” Give a one-time donation of $18 or more here ! Want to personalize a happy birthday message? Submit one here . August 20th – Meet us at The Salon August 26th – Join our Writing Circle August 29th – Torch Virtual Panel (details coming soon) We can’t wait to celebrate this joyous month with you all! ### About Torch Literary Arts Torch Literary Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established with love and intention in 2006 to publish and promote creative writing by Black women. We publish contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers alike. Torch has featured work by Toi Derricotte, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, Elizabeth Alexander, and others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, workshops, an annual retreat, and special events. Help Torch continue to publish and promote Black women writers by donating today. About Black Philanthropy Month Dr. Jacqueline Bouvier Copeland of Pan-African Women's Philanthropy Network and The WISE Fund established the month of August as Black Philanthropy Month in 2011 with recognition by the United Nations as part of its 2011 Declaration of the International Year for People of African Descent and its 2015-2024 Declaration of the International Decade for People of African Descent. The month-long observance invites all people of African ancestry and allied brothers and sisters to take August and beyond to promote the power of giving to transform lives. Learn more here . Media Contact Information: Brittany Heckard Communications Associate bheckard@torchliteraryarts.org (512) 641-9251 Previous Next