Imani Tolliver

Poet

Author's Bio

Imani Tolliver (she/her) is an award-winning poet, artist, educator, and producer. She is the author of Runaway: A Memoir in Verse.

She is a graduate of Howard University where she received the John J. Wright Literary Award, served as Poet Laureate for the Watts Towers Arts Center, and was awarded literary fellowships from the Cave Canem Foundation, the Lannan Foundation, and George Washington University. 

Imani received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition by the U.S. House of Representatives and a Certificate of Recognition by the City of Los Angeles for her work as a promoter, host, and publicist in support of the literary arts in Southern California.

Rooted in social justice, Imani has curated and produced a wide portfolio of arts and cultural programming that celebrates, reflects, and amplifies the voices of diverse communities. These programs have included art festivals, poetry readings, concerts, community theater, youth theater, and special events for large municipalities in Southern California. 

Publications & Prizes

Book:
Runaway: A Memoir in Verse (World Stage Press, 2017)
Prizes won: 

Certificate of Congressional Recognition, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., The Honorable Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr., 2020; Avest Award For Literary Arts, the Women's Building, 2017; Poet Laureate, Watts Towers Arts Center, City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs & Watts Towers Arts Center, Los Angeles, California, 2007 - 2008; Certificate of Appreciation, City of Los Angeles for Work as a Promoter, Host and Publicist in Support of the Literary Arts in Los Angeles, California, 2007; Graduate Fellow, Cave Canem: A Workshop/Retreat for African American Poets; 1997, 1999 & 2003; Jenny McKean Moore Workshop Fellowship, George Washington University, Cornelius Eady, 1997; Lannan Literary Fellowship, Lannan Foundation/Folger Shakespeare Library, 1994, 1995, 1996 & 1997

John J. Wright Literary Award, First Place, Howard University, 1994

More Information

Gives readings: 
Yes
Travels for readings: 
Yes
Identifies as: 
African American
Prefers to work with: 
Any
Fluent in: 
English
Born in: 
Los Angeles, CA
California
Raised in: 
Los Angeles, CA
California
Please note: All information in the Directory is provided by the listed writers or their representatives.
Last update: Dec 17, 2021