Him

He is more than a man. He is memory, mystery, and muse.

In HIM, Clianda Florence crafts a soul-stirring collection of poetry that delves into the sacred intersections of love, sensuality, and emotional truth. With language that is both lush and luminous, Florence explores the many faces of connection-how we ache for it, surrender to it, and are transformed by it.

These poems are an invitation to feel deeply, to embrace vulnerability as a form of strength, and to honor the sacred art of intimacy. Whether whispering of longing or roaring with passion, HIM is a celebration of the masculine through the eyes of the feminine-raw, reverent, and unapologetically real.

For every reader who has ever loved, lost, or dared to open their heart again, HIM is a poetic sanctuary.

Clianda Florence is a Rochester, NY-based educator, author, and dynamic community leader whose work centers on literacy, equity, and empowerment. With over two decades of experience in education, Florence brings a deep passion for transforming communities through the power of language and storytelling. Her belief that "literacy is liberation" is both personal and generational inspired by her grandfather, the late civil rights leader, Minister Franklin Florence. Florence holds a B.A. in Psychology from Bennett College, an M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Nazareth College, and a second master's in Educational Administration from SUNY Brockport. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Teaching and Curriculum at the University of Rochester. Throughout her career, she has served as a classroom teacher, curriculum specialist, and educational coach, working with students and educators in the Rochester City School District, Buffalo Charter Schools, and beyond. In 2016, she launched Strength 2 Say, LLC, a professional development and literacy firm that provides writing workshops, public speaking coaching, and academic support for students. She also founded the nonprofit in 2022, Let's Get L.I.T. (Liberating Individuals Through Literary Texts), which promotes literacy through culturally relevant family programs, community book clubs, mentoring initiatives, and neighborhood outreach events. One of its signature efforts, L.I.T. Twelve, supports young men with mentorship and literacy development. Florence is also the creator and host of Let's Get Lit, a radio podcast on WDKX 103.9 FM that features educators, authors, and activists who share her mission of community transformation through literacy. She is a published poet, with titles including It Happened and The Essence of My Soul, and has been recognized with multiple honors, including a New York State Senate Proclamation, the Burton S. August Senior Award, and a $25,000 grant supporting her literary work. In addition to her educational leadership, Florence serves on several nonprofit boards, including The Healthy Baby Network, The Re-Entry and Community Development, Rochester Area Literacy Council, and Feminists Choosing Life of New York. Her long-term vision includes establishing a literacy and wellness center, expanding bilingual education programs, and opening an all-boys academy focused on mental health, literacy, and leadership development. Above all, Clianda Florence is a devoted mother of three Brianda, Ian, and Malachi who believes in creating generational change by equipping families with the tools to read, write, speak, and thrive. Clianda Florence stands at the intersection of education, community, and equity. She doesn't just teach literacy she transforms it into a movement where families learn together, local culture is uplifted, and marginalized voices are heard. Her approach is holistic: fostering intellectual growth, community care, and generational change. Clianda Florence is a force in education and social justice, transforming Rochester, one story and one life at a time. Through every endeavor, she remains guided by faith, legacy, and the enduring power of words.