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SPRING 2024 STAFF
HAILIE DELLY
STAFF
Hailie Delly is a graduating senior at Howard University from Smyrna, Georgia. Majoring in Psychology and double minoring in English and Political Science, she hopes to use her B.S.degree to pursue a career in Family Law. While being new to the creative writing world Hailie has particularly enjoyed expanding her writing skills, both through her minor and this course, and believes it will be a great asset to her future in law.
SYDNEY EDWARDS
STAFF
Sydney Edwards is a third-year Business Marketing student at Howard University from Houston, Texas. She has a lifelong passion for writing and creative projects. Sydney is an entrepreneur and strives to promote women empowerment. With hopes to combine all her various passions to influence professional spaces, her participation in the journal has sparked her enthusiasm to do so even further!
TAKIER GEORGE
STAFF
Takier George is a full-time student at Howard University majoring in English (with a
concentration in creative writing) and a minor in tv and film production. She was a part of the D.C. Youth Slam team from 2019 to 2021. George has been published in the Sterling Notes Literary Journal, The Hilltop, The Amistad, the Roi Fainéant Literary Press, and the Sigma Tau Delta Howard Journal. George is the vice president of the Sterling Allen Brown English and the Editor-In-Chief of the Sterling Notes Literary Journal. She is currently working on her first chapbook.
HAILEY GIBSON
STAFF
Hailey Gibson is a sophomore English major from Fredericksburg, Virginia. In her free time she enjoys reading, baking, and exploring nature. She has a deep love of fiction and poetry, and hopes to one day pursue a career in writing.
JHOURDEN IVERY
STAFF
Jhourden Ivery is a sophomore Business Management major at Howard University. While her goal is to create a career in the Sports industry as a sports agent, she has an interest in creative writing and wishes to build upon her skills for the future.
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AUTUMN JACKSON
STAFF
Autumn Jackson, a film student at Howard University, has had a passion for writing since high school. Strongly suited in fiction, she hopes to bring her creative writing skills to the big screen as a screenwriter. Through her work she aspires to open doors for more Black women to succeed in writing and directing in the film industry.
ALIANNA KANU
STAFF
Alianna Kanu, a sophomore English major at Howard University from Northern Virgina, aspires to become a bestselling author and seeks literary magazines to house her short stores. Her love for books has been a lifelong passion, and she aims to craft narratives that deeply resonate with her readers.
MAIYA NORWOOD
STAFF
Maiya Norwood is a Graduating Senior English Major, Sociology minor. She hails from Chicago, Illinois. In the summer, she will attend the Columbia Publishing Course in New York City. She aspires to be a manuscript editor.
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MICAIAH PAYTON
STAFF
Micaiah Payton is an English major with a minor in Political Science from Chicago, Illinois. She applies her skills through internships in communication and workforce development. With plans to attend law school next year, she also has a passion for writing fantasy novels and reading, with a goal of completing 50 novels annually.
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KAYA PLUMMER
STAFF
Kaya Plummer is a senior undergraduate student at Howard University majoring in
Interdisciplinary Humanities, with a concentration in language, art, and archaeology. Following undergrad, Kaya has plans to pursue a master’s degree in library and information sciences and then begin a full-time professional career as a librarian. Kaya primarily writes short works of fiction, and has a goal of writing a novel-length piece one day.
NAOMI TURNER
STAFF
Naomi Turner is a sophomore English major, Journalism minor, at Howard University. She came to love literature and writing in middle school, and chose to study English with the goal of entering the publishing industry. She owes much of her love for English to her high school English teacher, Mrs. Ray. She'd like to thank Mrs. Ray for guiding her and nurturing her passion for writing. She loves seeing the creativity and emotion in each and every work that she came across during her time at The Amistad. And, although The Amistad is her first experience working with writers, it certainly won't be her last.
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.
STACY UZOWURU
STAFF
Stacy Uzowuru is a freshman English student from Houston, Texas, who is originally from Lagos, Nigeria. Her hobbies include reading and writing poetry and fiction and braiding hair. The aspiring English educator and published author's words can be found in the "American High School Poets—Winter 2022." Stacy has enjoyed volunteering on the Amistad staff and hopes to continue gaining experience in literature.
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.
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