I (they/them) am a poet-educator, clayworker, and editor. I grew up in Buffalo, New York, where I developed a love for the earth. I went to Howard University for college and stayed in the DMV area for a few years after that, where I began my ceramics practice and work-traded at a local studio. I moved to Ithaca for graduate school, where I finished my MFA in Poetry at Cornell in 2025.
Across mediums, the same questions and impulses drive all of my work: to think about what it means to love myself, love others, and love the earth; and, to consider how to relationally heal in the face of structural and interpersonal violence. Creativity is a sacred practice.
I try to imbue a tenderness and compassion into my functional ceramics. I make a lot of bowls and mugs, things meant to be cradled— and planters and vases, things meant to hold life. I want each of my pieces to evoke reflection in others. I am drawn to the inherent vulnerability of ceramics: making something that must essentially be surrendered to mysterious fiery alchemy of the kiln, to make something inherently fragile. Yet, these fragile things are often foundational to our eating, our homes, our lives.
In my poetry, I explore the grief of healing generational trauma as a Black American person; embodiment; and transformation. In my teaching work, I guide people to harness writing’s power for healing and transformation. I lead virtual and in-person workshops, courses, and 1:1 coaching.