As a poet, I often reflect on the writers who've shaped my journey—like Jericho Brown, who virtually visited our class before earning the Pulitzer, or Claudia Rankine, Gregory Pardlo, and even Robert Frost. While I can’t rank them, each has left a lasting impression on me.

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IHad to reflect today—how often do we see beauty but miss the depth? These opened eyes are changing me. Grateful for spaces that uncover rich, fraught history. Excited for this book! 🖤✨

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