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