Dear friends, I hope this finds you well. You may have seen the news online, but in case you haven't, I was recently named the 2024 Texas Poet Laureate! The 2023 and 2024 appointees were formally announced through the adoption of House Resolutions at the Capitol. The 2023 appointees include Texas Poet Laureate ire’ne lara silva, Texas State Musician Gary Clark, Jr., Texas State Two-Dimensional Artist Gaspar Enriquez, and Texas State Three-Dimensional Artist James Watkins. I'm thrilled and full of gratitude for this designation. I have plans to engage with others during my tenure and look forward to amplifying poetry across the state. In dark times, poetry is a bright light of hope showing us the way back to the heart - to home. Thank you for being a source of love and support in my life and the communities you uplift. I hope to see you at the events listed below. Come by and say hi! Warmly, Amanda |
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2023-2024 Texas State Artists Learn more about the history of the Texas State Artists and the Texas Commission on the Arts. | | |
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Wrap It Wednesday Creating Space at the Table: A Conversation 6/7 at 5:00 pm Join us for a captivating conversation with Paola Mathé and Amanda Johnston, the Founder of Torch Literary Arts. During this event, we will explore the mission and purpose of Torch Literary, a platform dedicated to promoting the work of Black women in the realm of creative writing. We will delve into the importance of creating spaces and opportunities for the advancement of Black women in the literary arts, discussing how they actively support and uplift both experienced and emerging writers. Don't miss this enlightening discussion as we celebrate the power and resilience of Black women's voices in the creative world. | | |
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Carrying the Torch: A Juneteenth Remembrance and Reading for the Future 6/20 at 7 pm Join Torch Literary Arts for this special event to acknowledge the historical significance of Juneteenth and celebrate the accomplishments of the African American community. Poets, writers, and guest speakers will share original work to acknowledge the federal holiday and celebrate the future of African Americans in Texas. | | |
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The Moth Radio Hour In case you missed it, Amanda's story, "Just Like Uncle Bubba" is now available online. Click below to listen! The Peabody Award-winning The Moth Radio Hour which, produced by Jay Allison at Atlantic Public Media and presented by PRX, The Public Radio Exchange, airs weekly on over 575 public radio stations nationwide. | | |
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Community Highlights: Meet Amanda Johnston of Torch Literary Arts Amanda sits down with VoyageAustin to discuss Torch Literary Arts and reserving a space for Black women writers. Voyage started in Los Angeles, with its flagship publication VoyageLA. It later expanded to share stories and give big cities a little bit of that small-town community charm, where people know each other and their stories at a deeper, more personal level. | | |
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Founded by Amanda Johnston, Torch Literary Arts is a nonprofit organization established to publish and promote creative writing by Black women. TORCH publishes contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers alike. TORCH has featured work by Colleen J. McElroy, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Elizabeth Alexander, Natasha Trethewey, and others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, workshops, and retreats. | | |
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