“My writing is inspired by the way geography, history, and culture shape our identities.Because geography, history, and culture are impacted by markers of difference, my poems,stories, and articles can’t help but reflect the ways different communities have demonstratedresilience and persistence in the face of oppression and discrimination. It is the survival ofunique communities and idiosyncratic identities that allows the United States to be the bold,innovative and inspirational country it is.”