Holly Karapetkova is Poet Laureate Emerita of Arlington, Va., and recipient of a 2022 Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship for her work with young poets. Her poetry, prose and translations have appeared widely in print and online. She is… Continue Reading
GBF Blog
Schmidt, Lynne
Lynne Schmidt is the grandchild of a Holocaust survivor, and a mental health professional with a focus in trauma and healing. They are a 2025 Maine Arts Fellow, second-place winner of the 2024 National Federation of State Poetry Societies Founders… Continue Reading
Headley, Jubi Arriola
Jubi Arriola Headley (he/him) is a Black queer poet, storyteller, first-generation United Statesian and the author of two collections of poems: “Original Kink” (Sibling Rivalry Press, 2020), recipient of the 2021 Housatonic Book Award; and “Bound” (Persea Books, 2024). He’s… Continue Reading
Leyva, Steven
Steven Leyva was born in New Orleans and raised in Houston. His poems have appeared in Smartish Pace, Scalawag, Nashville Review, jubilat, The Hopkins Review, Prairie Schooner and Best American Poetry 2020. He is a Cave Canem fellow and author… Continue Reading
Keita, Nzadi M.
M. Nzadi Keita’s new poetry collection, “Migration Letters,” reflects on Black girlhood and working-class identity in Philadelphia following the Civil Rights and Black Power movements. Keita pays tribute to writers and musicians, and explores how Black Americans journey toward joy.… Continue Reading
Shumaker, Debra Kempf
Debra Kempf Shumaker started reading at the age of four and hasn’t stopped since. She grew up on a small dairy farm in Wisconsin but now lives in the suburbs of Northern Virginia with her husband, three sons and two… Continue Reading
Davies, Jacqueline
Jacqueline Davies is the best-selling author of the “Lemonade War” series, which has inspired millions of young readers across the world to raise money for charitable causes. She is also the award-winning author of the “Sydney and Taylor” series, illustrated… Continue Reading
Amen, John
John Amen is the author of five collections of poetry, including “Illusion of an Overwhelm,” finalist for the 2018 Brockman-Campbell Award, and work from which was chosen as a finalist for the 2018 Dana Award. He received the 2021 Jack… Continue Reading
Nwafor, Amuchechukwu
Amuchechukwu Nwafor (Amuche The Poet) is a D.C.-based writer, performance artist, host, event curator, educator and teaching artist. She is a first-generation born Black American whose poetry touches on the diaspora, sexual advocacy, mental health and the female experience. Amuche… Continue Reading
Tran, Phuc
Phuc Tran is an award-winning writer, tattooer and Latin teacher (for which he has won no awards). Lots of things make Phuc cranky: being too cold, being too hot, staying up too late, getting up really early, wearing baggy socks, eating… Continue Reading