Torch Literary Arts Relaunch

Dear Friends,

I founded TORCH in 2006 with the goal of creating a space reserved for Black women writers. I wanted a space where we could share our work and uplift each other at all stages of our literary careers. I wanted to build a place where readers and educators could find contemporary writing that celebrates the creativity of Black women across the diaspora. In our 15-year history, we have published and featured over 100 writers on our website and at our Wildfire Reading Series. In that time, we’ve also learned a lot, especially during the pandemic, about how to preserve and grow the organization to better serve our community.

I’m excited to announce that Torch Literary Arts will officially relaunch in January of 2022! This relaunch comes with a new website, publishing model, programs, and partnerships. Monthly and Friday features will be published year-round, and all contributors will be paid for their work. Our new publishing model will feature no less than 64 Black women writers every year! We are also preparing to resume in-person and online events and workshops beginning fall 2022. This is only possible with support from our partners and individual donors like you. To celebrate and build on our 15-year history, our goal is to raise a total of $15,000 in individual donations by the end of 2022. Thank you for being on this journey with us and investing in Black women writers. Together, we can amplify these poems and stories across the world and light the way for generations of readers and writers to come.

Onward together,

Amanda Johnston

Founder/Executive Director

Torch Literary Arts

[email redacted]

ABOUT TORCH LITERARY ARTS

Torch Literary Arts is a nonprofit organization established to support and promote creative writing by Black women. We publish contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers alike. TORCH has featured work by Colleen J. McElroy, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, and others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series that features Black women authors and allies, workshops, and retreats.

MISSION

To promote the work of Black women by publishing contemporary creative writing by experienced and emerging writers alike, to archive contributors' literary work for posterity and educational purposes, and provide resources and opportunities for the advancement of Black women through literary arts.