Often centered around intersections of race, class, sexuality, faith, and social justice, Danez uses rhythm, fierce raw power, and image to re-imagine the world as takes it apart in their work. Danez's work transcends arbitrary boundaries to present work that is gripping, dismantling of oppression constructs, and striking on the human heart. Like her, Danez bridges the poetics of the stage to that of the page. They live in the midwest most of the time.ĭanez was featured in American Academy of Poet's Emerging Writers Series by National Book Award Finalist Patricia Smith. They edit for The Offing & are a founding member of 2 collectives, Dark Noise and Sad Boy Supper Club.

They are a 2-time Individual World Poetry Slam finalist, placing 2nd in 2014. They are a 2014 Ruth Lilly - Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Fellow, a Cave Canem and VONA alum, and a recipient of a McKnight Foundation Fellowship. Their work has published & featured widely including in Poetry Magazine, Beloit Poetry Journal, Buzzfeed, Blavity, & Ploughshares. Their 2nd collection will be published by Graywolf Press in 2017. Danez Smith is the author of boy (2014, YesYes Books), a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award and the Norma Farber First Book Award from the Poetry Society of America.

Homie by danez smith