Erica Stephens

Erica Stephens is a Black American writer, poet, and performer whose work explores identity, history, justice, and the human experience. She believes in the power of poetry as a vehicle for reflection, dialogue, and change, using her writing to examine both personal experiences and the broader forces that shape our lives.

Erica is a strong advocate for education and expanding access to opportunity, particularly for students from low-income and underserved communities. She believes deeply in the power of education and exposure to broaden what people imagine for themselves and their futures. Her work is also grounded in an appreciation for history and its importance in understanding the present and shaping a more just future.

Erica graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology and earned a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is a recipient of the Carolyn G. Ennis Creative Writing Award and the author of Black Doves Fly to Freedom.