Torch was established to promote the work of African American women. We provide a place to celebrate contemporary poetry, prose, and short stories by experienced and emerging writers alike. We prefer our contributors to take risks and offer a diverse body of work that examines and challenges preconceived notions regarding race, ethnicity, gender roles, and identity.  

Within Torch, we offer a special section called Flame that features an interview, biography, and work sample by an established writer as well as an introduction to their Spark, an emerging writer who inspires them and adds to the boundless voice of creative writing by Black women.

     MISSION

To promote the work of African American women by celebrating contemporary poetry, prose, and short stories by experienced and emerging writers alike.

WE BELIEVE  

• We believe that creative writing by Black women is valuable and necessary.
     
• We believe in preserving our literary legacy by working across generations.
  
   
• We believe that supporting creative writing adds to the cross-cultural appreciation of the arts.
   
• We believe in utilizing current technology to connect our work to a broader audience.
   
• We believe in meaningful collaboration based on respect, creativity, and freedom.
   
• We believe in conducting ourselves with integrity and responsiveness in all our interactions.

     STAFF

Amanda Johnston
Editor, Executive Director

Cave Canem Fellow and Affrilachian Poet, Amanda Johnston has performed across the country for various causes and events. Honors include a 2003 and 2004 Artists Enrichment grant from the Kentucky Foundation for Women and the 2005 Austin International Poetry Festival's Christina Sergeyevna Award. Currently, Johnston serves on the board of directors for the National Women's Alliance, is an ensemble member of The Austin Project Performance Company (TAPPCo) and is the founding editor of Torch: poetry, prose, and short stories by African American Women.  
 

     Board of Directors

Wura-Natasha Ogunji
Chair

Wura-Natasha Ogunji is a visual and performance artist.  She works with thread, stitching drawings into translucent sheets of paper.  In her performance videos she uses bundles of threads, measured in fathoms, as she explores connections to body, land and power.  Ogunji has been an Artist-in-Residence at Can Serrat in Spain and Altos de Chavon in the Dominican Republic.  She has received grants from The Pollock-Krasner Foundation and the Brooklyn Arts Council.  Selected exhibitions include: New American Talent: The 22nd Exhibition (Arthouse at the Jones Center, Austin, TX), and Black Rock: The Metamorphosis of Home from Isolation to Connection Task Force (Gallery Aferro, Newark, NJ).  Ogunji received her Bachelor's degree in Anthropology from Stanford University (1998) and her MFA in Photography from San Jose State University.  She lives in Austin, Texas. 
 

Natasha Harper-Madison
Secretary

Natasha Harper-Madison is a native resident of Austin, Texas. An entrepreneurial spirit and Renaissance woman, Natasha owned and operated a concierge business for 6 years. Currently, Natasha employs her professional experience as an Executive Household Manager in the private sector. A true service heart, Natasha’s love for helping others starts at home with her husband and two wonderful children. She is thrilled to be a part of the Torch family and appreciates being a part of an organization that encourages genuine artistic expression.

Andrea Edgerson
Treasurer

Andrea Edgerson has been in the movement to end domestic and sexual violence for over ten years. In that time Andrea has had the opportunity to work directly with survivors of domestic and sexual violence as well as provide training and education to various community groups on the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence. Andrea is currently a policy analyst at the Texas Council on family violence where her work is primarily focused on legal services and immigration. Andrea is also an actor. She is currently honing her craft and auditioning where she can.