Toi Derricotte

Toi Derricotte, a captivating poet and a true visionary, is an undeniable force within the realm of contemporary literature. With an unwavering commitment to the power of words, Derricotte has fearlessly explored the depths of the human experience, leaving an indelible impact on readers and fellow artists alike. As a co-founder of the groundbreaking organization Cave Canem, she has championed the voices of Black poets, creating a space for their talent to flourish and their stories to be heard. Derricotte's own poetic journey is a tapestry of remarkable publications, including the celebrated works "The Undertaker's Daughter,” "Tender," and “The Black Notebooks.” Her trailblazing spirit has been recognized with esteemed accolades, including the illustrious PEN/Voelcker Award for Poetry, the Paterson Poetry Prize, and the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for Nonfiction.

Renowned poet, Marilyn Hacker, aptly characterizes Derricotte's poems as “honest, fine-honed, deceptively simple…deadly accurate, ‘more merciless to herself than history’ [and] as unique as her point of view. And it is the specificity, the fine observation of that viewpoint…which makes it at once accessible and revelatory to readers, whatever their origins, whatever their preconceptions of the possibilities of poetry.”

With each verse, Toi Derricotte kindles the flame of creativity, reminding us all of the transformative power—dare we say, “reverie”—found within our own stories.