SPRING 2025 STAFF
JOY ASAMOAH
The Amistad Editorial Club
Assistant Editor
Joy is a spoken word poet and artist from Gahanna, OH. She writes and performs poems that challenge norms, advocate for human rights, and address social issues that plague the world. Her poetry breaks the silence of issues that oppress marginalized communities and advocate for liberation.
KAYLA BARLOW
Literature & Publishing The Amistad
Nonfiction Editor
Kayla is a graduating senior at Howard University, majoring in English with a minor in Journalism. Hailing from Indianapolis, Kayla has worked at the Indianapolis Recorder and INDYCAR. As Secretary of the Sterling Allen Brown English Society and Vice President of VOCAL, she aims to drive change through strategic communication in both her professional and recreational endeavors and looks forward to doing the same with The Amistad.
AVERY BENNEKIN
Literature & Publishing/The Amistad Club
Editorial Staff
ALLAH EVERETT
Literature & Publishing/The Amistad Club
Editorial Staff
LOTONIA FERGUSON
Literature & Publishing The Amistad
Editorial Staff
Lotonia is a sophomore Philosophy and English double major with a minor in Military Science at Howard University, from Jamaica by way of Connecticut. Initially an academic reader and writer, she has developed a love for urban thrillers and poetry. As a member of The Amistad editorial team, she is excited to engage with diverse literary voices.
MARIAH HAMILTON
Literature & Publishing The Amistad
Chief Editor
Mariah is a Junior Psychology major English minor from San Diego, CA. She is an avid reader of romantic fiction and would like to do more creative writing. She is especially excited to contribute to The Amistad this year.
BECCA RAYEHANATOU HAYNESWORTH
The Amistad Editorial Club
Poetry Editor
Becca Rayehanatou is a graduating senior Media Management major, pursuing a double minor in Africana Studies and Economics, from Raleigh, NC. She is a writer, community organizer, and student of African ancestral knowledge, who infuses African historical memory, Pan-African sentiments, and anti-colonial politic into her creative and literary work.
LAUREN NUTALL
Literature & Publishing The Amistad
Nonfiction Editor
Lauren is a graduating senior at Howard University majoring in
journalism with a minor in international affairs from Dallas, TX. As a journalist, she has been published in Black Enterprise, The Hilltop and Howard University News Service.
OLIVIA OCRAN
Literature & Publishing/The Amistad Editorial Club
Fiction Editor
Olivia is a sophomore English Creative Writing major and young adult author. She is an avid reader who started writing books of her own during the quarantine in 2020, publishing her first duology before starting her study at Howard University. As an author, it is her mission to create a space where people of diverse groups can see themselves in literature.
ANJALI ROBINSON-LEARY
The Amistad Editorial Club
Editor-in-Chief
Anjali is a sophomore Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Humanities, Ancient and Modern Double Major with a concentration in the Arts, Language, and Archaeology from Philadelphia, PA. Anjali is a writer for The Ginger Root, a student-led publication, and The Moorland-Spingarn Research Center’s newsletter.
NAOMI TURNER
The Amistad Editorial Club
Editor
Naomi is a Junior English Major, Strategic Communications Minor, at Howard University. Because of her love for literature and writing, she chose to study English with the goal of entering the publishing industry. This is her second year at The Amistad, and she appreciates the art, creativity, and emotion in the writing. She believes artists and art are too often under-appreciated. Thus, through publishing the work of literary artists and reading their new and innovative writings, she hopes to support literary freedom and expression.
STACY UZOWURU
The Amistad Editorial Club
Editor
Stacy is a Sophomore English major, and Legal Communications minor from Houston, TX by way of Lagos, Nigeria. She has always been a lover of literature as she writes poetry and nonfiction in her spare time when she’s not reading Black fiction novels. Stacy is excited for what The Amistad has in store, and this year, she proudly reviews submissions for the journal.
KYR R. MACK
Special Guest Editor
Kyr Rashad Mack is a Master Instructor in the Department of Literature and Writing at Howard University who specializes in African American Literature and Rhetoric, digital writing practices, and Black visual, digital, and popular cultures. As an educator, writer, and visual artist, Kyr’s work illuminates the rich vibrancy and cultural cache of African diasporic and African American writers and artists that challenges discourses of power across multiple contexts.
DARLENE TAYLOR
Faculty Advisor
Darlene Taylor is a multidisciplinary artist-scholar and Master Instructor in the Department of Literature and Writing at Howard University. She teaches the Literature & Publishing course and guides students through the journal publishing process and supports their roles as literary citizens. Her research and storytelling explore memory and archives.
JA'LA WOURMAN
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Special Guest Editor/Nonfiction
Dr. Ja’La Wourman is an Assistant Professor in the Department at Literature and Writing at Howard University. She specializes in rhetoric and composition with a focus on the rhetorical strategies of visual and language culture.
2023 STAFF
JUAN BENN JR.
STAFF
Juan Benn Jr. is a third-year journalism student at Howard University from Knoxville, Tennessee. Words written by the aspiring author and culture critic have appeared in The Hilltop, Cover2Cover magazine, The Capital News, and the Sterling Allen Brown Society's 2023 Black Love Zine. With a passion for storytelling, Juan hopes to be known one day for his thoughtful reporting and way with words.
NYAH BERNUCHO
STAFF
Nyah Bernucho is a PR major, English minor at Howard University from Austin, Texas. She is also a writer, DJ, and digital designer. Nyah hopes to work in a creative space where she can fuseher passion for art and community.
JADYN COBB
STAFF
Jadyn Cobb is a sophomore Political Science major, English minor from Memphis, TN with hopes to pursue a career in the legal profession. She began her own adventure in poetry and creative writing after being inspired by her mother, Tammy Cobb, a children's book author. She hopes to show her love and passion for the law by pursuing any learning opportunity that come she way that will assist her in her mission to advance equity and serve global communities. Jadyn is very interested in international relations, sports and entertainment law, human rights, activism, and gender in politics. When she starts her career, she wants to work in one of these industries before starting her own business as a seasoned lawyer. Jadyn still hopes to increase her body of poetry and creative writing work along the way, though!
KIRAH COBBS
STAFF
Hailing from New Jersey, Kirah is a Public Relations major and has a minor in Political Science. She is a talented musician, playing 7 instruments, and a gifted singer. She is an avid reader and enjoys writing songs and gathering her thoughts on paper for some future projects.
DESTINY COHEN
STAFF
Destiny Cohen is a senior English major and history minor hailing from Brooklyn, NY. With a passion for writing, she focuses mainly on crafting essays and creative nonfiction. Destiny has honed her writing skills through her academic pursuits and completed internships in politics and technology. She is excited to pursue a career in business and hopes to leverage her writing abilities in the corporate world. With a diverse range of experiences and interests, Destiny is eager to explore how her writing can help shape the future of the business landscape.
JENELLE FOSTER
STAFF
Jenelle Foster is a Senior English Major, Journalism Minor from San Jose, California. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors and writing poetry. Once she graduates from Howard, she plans to work for a news media company that serves to captivate the stories of underrepresented voices. She also sets out to publish her own poetry book in the future.
ALEX FREEMAN
STAFF
Alex Freeman is an aspiring writer and creative out of Sacramento/Tahoe, California. He's a junior at Howard University in pursuit of his Bachelors in English, a study which he plans to continue in graduate school and use to help change and challenge the ideologies of the world around him through literature. He enjoys all sorts of outdoor activities and back home you can find him skiing on the mountain. Alex is inspired by music of all genres, thought-provoking literature and his experiences with other cultures during his travels overseas.
SYDNEY GARDNER
STAFF
I’m Sydney Gardner. I am a sophomore journalism major, sports administration minor from Philly. My ultimate career goal is to be a sportscaster and/or producer. I wanted to expand my knowledge of writing and taking this class has done just that. My classmates and I have worked hard to produce this journal, so I hope you guys enjoy!
NAYANNA HOLLINS
STAFF
Nayanna Hollins is a Junior B.F.A. Acting major and English minor from Belleville, Michigan. She enjoys expressing herself through various mediums--her favorites being acting, directing, and writing. Prior to working on the Amistad, Nayanna was published in Ukweli, Howard's Undergraduate research journal. She is delighted to have worked on this rendition of the Amistad with a lovely cohort of writers.
DEOVANA LAUDERDALE
STAFF
Deovana Lauderdale is a rising junior, Journalism major, and Theatre Arts minor from PG County, Maryland. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, traveling, shopping, and spending time with family. While at Howard, she plans to groom her writing skills and gain experience in the theatre world.
TIASIA SAUNDERS
STAFF
Tiasia Saunders is a junior Media, Journalism & Film major/ English minor from Danville Virginia. During her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, and crocheting. She wants to become a published author of young adult novels in the future. Additionally, her dream career path is to become a data tech journalist that integrates datasets with news stories.
NICK SEIFERT
MANAGING EDITOR & FACULTY ADVISOR
Nick Seifert is a writer and Master Instructor at Howard University. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing with a fiction concentration from George Mason University and a Master of Arts in English from St. Cloud State University. He has lived in the twin cities, the big apple, the land of morning calm, and the nation’s capital. With over a decade of experiences, Nick has actively taught many age groups from kindergarten to higher education all over the world including literature, composition, and creative writing. His fiction has appeared in various online and print publications.
KAI'SA TUCK
STAFF
Kai'sa Tuck is a sophomore English major at Howard University from Chicago, Illinois She enjoys creative writing and dance in her free time. Her future interests include working in the film industry, storytelling, and scripting writing. She takes inspiration from storytellers such as Jordan Peele and Issa Rae.
CAMRON WRIGHT
STAFF
Camron Wright is a graduating senior English major with a concentration in
Creative Writing and a minor in Playwriting at Howard University. She was
raised in Daytona Beach, Florida where she developed a love for writing by being
an avid reader. In her free time, she loves attending theater performances,
listening to music, and hanging out with friends. Wright aspires to be a
playwright and author in the future.
2022 STAFF
THOMAS V.K. CALHOUN
STAFF
Thomas V.K. Calhoun is a writer, musician, and performer from Southfield, Michigan. He is currently pursuing his Bachelors of Business Administration in Marketing, the study of which has helped him tremendously as he prepares for a career in art. He is inspired by Maya Angelou, Dave Chappelle, and JAY-Z. Thomas has a reverence for language as it is used in art. He aims to use his art as a tool for contributing to and uplifting his community.
DANIEL EDEM
STAFF
Daniel Edem is a senior Political Science major and Economics minor at Howard University. He is from Southern California, and he enjoys any and all outdoor activities. He holds storytelling in high regard and loves the role that art has in allowing storytelling to prosper in any of its very exciting forms.
ZAINA FAIREY
STAFF
Zaina Fairey (they/them, he/him) is a junior Africana studies major, English minor at Howard University. Zaina is a learning Pan-Africanist and a novice roller skater. In his free time, he plays bass guitar.
ARIEL GORDON
STAFF
Ariel Gordon is an innovator, creator, thinker, and artist, among other things, from St. Louis. The main mediums of an artistic use for her are poetry/ spoken word, percussion via the Conga/ Djembe, and voice through singing from the soul and rap. As an Afro-American Studies Major, she finds unique ways to diffuse her melanated knowledge and ideas. As founder and Leader of her artistic collective, Light, she has the opportunity to do this for the community.
JALEN HINES
STAFF
My name is Jalen Hines and I was born on November 17, 2001. I am from PG County, MD and I am a sophomore journalism major at Howard University.
JA'TAE JOYNER
STAFF
A senior at Howard University and a member of Howard’s Track and Field team, Ja’Tae Joyner has now become an editorial member of Howard’s Literary Journal, The Amistad. She has been member of Howard’s United Nations Association Writier’s Chapter, as well as their Sterling Brown English Society where she and a team of members work to build a connective community of English majors and avid readers.
EMILY LABOSSIERE
STAFF
Emily Labossiere is a junior Psychology major, English minor, from Brockton Massachusetts. Emily is a first-generation Haitian American and the first person in her family to attend an hbcu. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, watching movies, and writing personal narrative essays. Emily wants to pursue a career as a counseling psychologist and plans on obtaining her Ph.D.
DaCHAR LANE
STAFF
DaChar Lane is a rising senior, Public Relations major and Political Science minor from the DMV. In her free time, she loves to hike, cook and travel. After Howard, she plans to continue her education at George Washington and continue her career in Public Relations with Edelman.
ANDREW McDOW
STAFF
Andrew McDow is a senior in Howard University’s Health Management program. Over the course of his years at Howard, Andrew has served in leadership positions in various organizations and programs on campus, while also enjoying student employment through the Office of Residence Life. In his free time, Andrew is an avid reader, chef, and socialite who enjoys hosting friends and family. Following his graduation from Howard, Andrew will begin his professional career as a Health Consultant for West Monroe Partners, in Chicago, IL.
MORGAN PAIGE
STAFF
Morgan Paige is an Atlanta native and student at Howard University, currently studying English and Afro-American Studies. Morgan has worked with various print and online media outlets and assisted in launching a pop culture magazine out of Manhattan earlier this year. She is passionate about film study, creative writing, and pop culture with the hope of using the written medium to highlight relationships and build bridges between the art world and the Black American experience.
MADISYN ROBINSON
STAFF
Madisyn Robinson is a junior English major, Secondary Education minor at Howard University. She was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Madisyn enjoys reading fiction (fantasy, thriller, etc.) and writing short stories. One day, she hopes to publish her own book. Upon graduating from Howard, she will work towards a Master's in Creative Writing.
NICK SEIFERT
MANAGING EDITOR & FACULTY ADVISOR
Nick Seifert is a writer and Master Instructor at Howard University. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing with a fiction concentration from George Mason University and a Master of Arts in English from St. Cloud State University. He has lived in the twin cities, the big apple, the land of morning calm, and the nation’s capital. With over a decade of experiences, Nick has actively taught many age groups from kindergarten to higher education all over the world including literature, composition, and creative writing. His fiction has appeared in various online and print publications.
NADIA STRONG
STAFF
Nadia Strong is a graduating senior at Howard University majoring in strategic, legal, and management communications and minoring in English. During her time at Howard, Nadia has held several undergraduate research positions in the College of Medicine, Center for HBCU Research, Leadership, and Policy, and as a Digital Informer of Howard University. Outside of her academic and professional obligations, Nadia likes to relax by staying connected to her family and friends, watching Netflix, reading romance novels, and spending time with her adorable cat.
ALIVIA TURNER
STAFF
Hi! my name is Alivia Turner, and I am a political science major philosophy minor from Dublin, CA! I am currently in school to be a lawyer. Creative writing has always been prevalent in my path as a student. In the past, I have helped run my school's newspaper. I love poems and short stories, but Sci-fi has a special place in my heart. Working with the Amistad has been such an amazing experience.
BILLY THOMAS
STAFF
Billy Thomas is a sophomore at Howard University in the school of College of arts and sciences majoring in psychology. He is originally from Dallas, Texas and enjoys drawing and reading novels.
2021 STAFF
TYLER BROWN
STAFF
Hello my name is Tyler Brown I am a Junior Business Marketing major from Los Angeles California. I enjoy playing basketball and outdoor adventures like camping hiking and going to the beach. After Howard I plan on working in music industry or going into sports agency.
TONI-ANN BURKE
STAFF
Toni Burke is a senior at Howard University's School of Business. She is originally from Kingston, Jamaica but considers herself to be a global citizen. She enjoys reading novels and watching films of all kinds.
MONET CLAY
STAFF
Monet Clay is a rising senior Public Relations major, English minor, from Atlanta, GA. Her favorite book is the Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood and she enjoys writing creative non-fiction short stories. When she grows up, she wants to be a mogul. You can find her on Instagram and Twitter @monetellaa
LISETTE COLEY
STAFF
My name is Lisette Coley. I was born and raised in Harford County, Maryland. I am a student at Howard University getting my Bachelor of Arts in Afro American Studies. During my free time, when I am not studying history, I am writing poetry and short stories. History and English was always an area I have been able to express myself when I struggled to express myself in other ways.
ASHLEIGH DEMPSTER
STAFF
Ashleigh is a student at Howard University.
LYNN PIERCE
STAFF
Lynn Pierce Jr is a senior journalism major with a minor in business at Howard University. He is from Savannah, Georgia. He values the interpersonal communication, writing skills, and the competitiveness that is cultivated in the fields of Journalism and Business. He truly believes telling compelling stories and providing relevant information shapes the world.
JASON PONTEROTTO
STAFF
Jason Ponterotto is a Junior at Howard University majoring in Journalism and minoring in Afro American Studies. His pursuit for a career in journalism stems from his passion for writing and speaking on matters relating to social justice, race, politics, and African American history as well as leadership roles when it comes to these areas. His experiences in the wisdom passed down to him from his African American mother and Italian father are what fostered his commitment toward pursing truth and what makes him a promising agent for change in the future.
SHASA REVELL
STAFF
Shasa Revell is a senior at Howard University and is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. Shasa has shown her leadership abilities on and off campus as she is on two executive boards, a sports reporter for The Hilltop Newspaper and has had various professional internships since the beginning of her Howard career. Shasa is interested in sports marketing and law. Her hobbies include television production, writing poetry, videography, editing, scriptwriting, and playing tennis. Shasa believes that servant leadership is the road to success and she plans to exercise that belief in her experiences and career.
MATTHEW RICKMAN
STAFF
I am Matthew Rickman, a graduating senior marketing major from Hoover, Alabama. I have a full-time job offer with Crown Castle under their business immersion program that I will start in July. I also am the co-founder of DAMN Ent. which is a company dedicated to empowering creative individuals. On a more personal note, I am huge basketball fan and I have played since I was three years old. Not limited to business and athletics though, I also have a full notebook of raps and poetry that I’ve made throughout my undergraduate experience.
NICK SEIFERT
MANAGING EDITOR & FACULTY ADVISOR
Nick Seifert is a writer and Master Instructor at Howard University. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing with a fiction concentration from George Mason University and a Master of Arts in English from St. Cloud State University. He has lived in the twin cities, the big apple, the land of morning calm, and the nation’s capital. With over a decade of experiences, Nick has actively taught many age groups from kindergarten to higher education all over the world including literature, composition, and creative writing. His fiction has appeared in various online and print publications.
KYRAH SIMON
STAFF
Kyrah Simon is a writer hailing from arguably the worst state in the country, Florida. She is currently in her second year of studying Afro-American Studies and Creative Writing at Howard University. From childhood, Kyrah has had a passion for reading and writing. She primarily writes fiction with an interest in screenwriting for television and film.
JASON STARKS
STAFF
DMV Native
Howard Student c/o '21
Professional Dad
Amateur Writer
TAYLOR THIBODAUX
STAFF
Taylor Thibodaux is a graduating senior, broadcast journalism major and African American studies minor from Los Angeles,California. Her love for writing and the arts began at the age of five years and followed her all the way into adulthood. She has explored her writing capabilities in the world of standup comedy, script writing, hard news stories, as well as poetry. After graduation Thibodaux plans to continue her career in journalism, and build her skills in writing through many other forms.
MICKAY THOMPSON
STAFF
Hello! My name is Mickay Thompson and I attend Howard University. I am a senior Public Relations major, Political Science minor from Washington, DC. I have my associate’s degree in Mass Communication and will be finishing my Bachelor’s degree this year. I am an accomplished scholar student with different awards to represent my hard work. My true passion is to continue my educational journey and become a lawyer.
RICKAY THOMPSON
STAFF
The atmosphere of arts provides much content to society that speaks to the creative elements within the world. My name is Rickay Thompson and I attend Howard University. Working constantly on perfecting my craft has grown my appreciation of fine and liberal arts. I have had the pleasure of producing and starring in a short film while working with a team to develop the script. I have also had a chance to explore creative writing projects and helped with the design of an arts journal. The element of innovation and creativity lives within my mind and my words, which will positivity be desired in the world of the arts.
2020 STAFF
DEVYN BAKEWELL
FICTION STAFF
Devyn Bakewell is a senior at Howard University, studying English from Los Angeles, CA. She has spent years writing romantic fiction novels, and is looking to publish her first novel in Winter 2020. She is dedicated to creating works of fiction centered around black/African-American young adults, so that they can read books that better reflect them and their role in today's world.
KALEE BLAKE
CREATIVE STAFF
Kalee Blake is a freshman journalism major from Brooklyn, New York. As part of the creative group Kalee reads and judges many of the submissions we receive at the Amistad. In her spare time Kalee works on her own poetry blog and is writing her own book.
BRITTANY CARTER
POETRY STAFF
Hi my name is Brittany Carter, I am from Philadelphia, PA and a junior nursing student at Howard University. I enjoy helping people, travel, and adventuring. I have always had an interest in creative writing and fiction was without question my favorite. I love reading creative and imaginative work. I believe it is very important to tell your own story because it will be nothing like anyone else’s.
TISHA COPELAND
CREATIVE STAFF
Tisha Copeland is a second year Sociology major, English minor. Tisha enjoys reading and critically analyzing Black Literature to contribute to her sociology research. Tisha hopes to author a collection of essays, reviews and critiques, as she aspires to become an editor of a publishing company, in addition to the publication of her research.
KANIYA GLENN
CREATIVE STAFF
Kaniya is a student at Howard University.
BREARA HOLLIS
FICTION STAFF
Breara began exploring her love for writing her freshman year of high school, though she has always enjoyed fiction and storytelling. She wrote on Wattpad, an internet community that connects readers and writers, and received nearly three hundred thousand reads on her writing. This, along with her exposure to many authors like Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, and Zora Neale Hurston, is what encouraged her to pursue a degree in Creative Writing. Now a rising senior at Howard University, Breara has written many short stories, has been published in Sikk Magazine, serves as the Treasurer of The Sterling Allen Brown English Society, and is co-editor of their literary magazine, Sterling Notes. Breara hopes to soon be a published author whose writing is well-acclaimed in her community."
AHNAYAH HUGHES
CREATIVE STAFF
Ahnayah Hughes is a writer and journalist from sunny San Diego. She is currently studying Journalism and English at Howard University, with aspirations of working in magazine editing and publishing. She's a Taurus, Frank Ocean's #1 fan, and the proud publisher of her poetry collection, "i wrote a sad waffle." You can find her on instagram @nayahrenee.
KARA JACKSON
CREATIVE STAFF
Kara Jackson is a sophomore Political Science major, English minor from Brooklyn, NY. When she's not doing school work, she likes to draw, make collages, and listen to music. She really enjoys reading thrillers, historical fiction, and romance novels.
JAYDEN McCLAM
POETRY STAFF
Jayden McClam is a poet/artist, learning healer, and community organizer from Buffalo, New York. They are in their third year at Howard University, where they study Psychology, Creative Writing, and Afro-American Studies, and read poems for the Howard University Amistad. Jayden serves on the Advisory Board of Black Love Resists in the Rust, an organization working to dismantle the carceral state and build restorative practices in Buffalo. They feel most at home in the sunlight.
GABRIELL MONTGOMERY
FICTION STAFF
Gabi is a student at Howard University
MIYAH MORALES
FICTION STAFF
Miyah Morales is a Junior English major Photography and Philosophy double minor at Howard from Queens, New York. Her hobbies include reading, writing, and taking photos. She joined The Amistad staff out of appreciation and admiration for her peer's writing while wanting to fulfill her curiosity surrounding what entails creating a magazine of any sort.
AIESHA MUHAMMAD
POETRY STAFF
Aiesha Muhammad is a poet and English major. Aiesha believes that writing is what allows us to create and re-contextualize the world around us.
ESTHER OKOSSI
FICTION STAFF
Esther Okossi is a Junior English major, Secondary Education and History double minor from the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois and serves on the Fiction team of The Amistad. Esther always had a vast and vivid imagination which is what got her started with creative writing when she was in middle school. She started writing for herself and would send her stories to her sister and friends to read. Then she began to post her work onto Wattpad. To this day, Esther is still engaged with creative writing and hopes to eventually legitimately publish her work. In her free time when she's not writing, Esther enjoys dance, spending time with family, and streaming her online subscriptions.
MORIAH-TAYLOR RUTHERFORD
POETRY STAFF
Moriah-Taylor Rutherford is a Second year International Affairs major from Pontiac Michigan. She has loved storytelling for as long as she can remember. When she is not in class Moriah enjoys baking and learning new languages.
NICK SEIFERT
EDITOR & FACULTY ADVISOR
Nick Seifert is a writer and Master Instructor at Howard University. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing with a fiction concentration from George Mason University and a Master of Arts in English from St. Cloud State University. He has lived in the twin cities, the big apple, the land of morning calm, and the nation’s capital. With over a decade of experiences, Nick has actively taught many age groups from kindergarten to higher education all over the world including literature, composition, and creative writing. His fiction has appeared in various online and print publications.
MARTINIQUE SELLERS
FICTION STAFF
Martinique is a student at Howard Unviersity.
AlEXANDER STEPHENS
FICTION STAFF
Alexander Stephens is a member of The Amistad's Fiction Section. He is a senior Political science major, English minor at Howard University’s College of Arts and Sciences. Alexander is part of numerous organizations on campus, namely serving on the Executive Boards of the Society of Collegiate Black Men and for the men of The Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Alpha Chapter. He also has had the opportunity to be a radio host for Howard University’s WHBC “Battle of the Sexes”, The Collegiate 100, and many other community service organizations and initiatives. While on campus, Alex has found a passion for literature and has been writing his own collection of short stories as well as an anthropological fiction novel. Following his matriculation, he plans to return and serve his native Baltimore community, as well as endeavor to become involved in local politics in his hometown.
NICOLETTE VERSAILLES
CREATIVE STAFF
Nicolette Versailles is a Howard University graduating senior from Brooklyn NY. She majors in English and Political Science at HU with the hopes to pursue a career field in the legal profession. Her career passion involves around civil rights, civil litigation, and real estate law. In her free time she likes to volunteer with animals, travel for fun, and try new foods. She revolves her life around the motto “What’s meant for you will be.”
2019 STAFF
Managing Editor Kyndall Flowers
Kyndall Flowers is a poet from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Flowers competed in the international youth poetry festival, Brave New Voices, in 2017 and 2018. She has been published in HEArt Online’s “Let Me Love Me” edition, Auburn Avenue’s 2018 Spring/Summer edition, and the Pufferfish anthology. Flowers has been featured on National Public Radio and in 2017, Flowers co-authored "Joy, Despite." She is a Scorpio, and she while she is lactose intolerant, she is very stubborn.
Staff Daphne Arko-Dadzie
Daphne Arko-Dadzie is an Architecture major at Howard University and unlike the people that share her brilliant skin color, she arrived in America on an 18-hour flight from her home in Accra, Ghana. Not on a boat. She takes great pride in the beautiful sub-Saharan nation she hails from and is hoping to return in the future to help introduce sustainable, eco-friendly housing for her people. She is the current Art Director of The Amistad Literary Journal and considers herself somewhat of an artist, hence the position. She is genuinely looking forward to giving upcoming artists of any background the opportunity to display their art.
Staff Tre Merritt
Tre Merritt is an English major from St. Louis, Missouri. He likes learning languages and drinking iced coffee and posting blurry pictures on his instagram. He wants to own a used bookstore. Tre is not his real name.
Staff Jayden McClam
Jayden McClam (b. 1999) is a poet, community organizer, and learning healer from Buffalo, New York. They are currently studying Psychology and Creative Writing at Howard University, and can be found on twitter @rootlesbian06.
Staff Vivien Rudisell
Vivien Rudisell is a freshman English major at Howard University. She’s had a love of learning and reading since childhood. She is a native of Salisbury, North Carolina. She loves podcasts, history, English, and pop culture, and she will talk forever about any of these topics if you let her.
Staff Maya Simmons
Maya Simmons is a freshman English major at Howard University. She is a poet. Simmons was a frequenter of the Just Buffalo Literary Center, a place dedicated to the empowerment of young voices, through its workshops, teaching artists, and speaker series. Simmons spent her summer as an intern at JBLC, assisting to facilitate its first ever writers’ summer camp. She also completed an eight week creative project, a collection of poems, which she read in her fellowship showcase at the beginning of August.
Faculty Advisor Nick Seifert
Nick Seifert is a writer and Master Instructor at Howard University. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing with a fiction concentration from George Mason University and a Master of Arts in English from St. Cloud State University. He has lived in the twin cities, the big apple, the land of morning calm, and the nation’s capital. With over a decade of experiences, Nick has actively taught many age groups from kindergarten to higher education all over the world including literature, composition, and creative writing. His fiction has appeared in various online and print publications.
Faculty Advisor Abdul Ali
Abdul Ali is a lecturer in Howard University’s English department. He is the author of Trouble Sleeping, winner of 2014 New Issues Poetry Prize selected by poet Fanny Howe. He earned his M.F.A. in Creative Writing at American University and did his undergraduate studies at Howard University. His poetry, essays, and interviews have appeared in numerous publications including National Public Radio, The Washington Post magazine, Poetry Foundation, Poet Lore and the anthology Full Moon on K Street, among others.