Traci Neal

Spoken Word Artist

Columbia, SC
South Carolina US

Author's Bio

Traci Neal is a neurodivergent spoken word artist currently residing in Columbia, South Carolina. She was professional diagnosed with Autism and ADHD in October 2023 at age 34. Neal received her bachelor's degree in 2012 for English from the University of South Carolina and her master's degree in 2015 for Educational Studies from the University of Phoenix-online. Her writings are featured in the New York Times, Mahagony Hallmark Writing Community, The Elevation Review, The Art of Autism and many other media publications. She is a One Columbia poet, an advocate for nonprofits in need, and a voice to the voiceless. Through her vulnerability and heart to serve, Neal has one goal in mind and that is to help as many people as possible. 

Publications & Prizes

Performances:
9th Annual AfricStyle Fashion Show (2022)
,
Ears Wide Open with FUSE and UniVERSE (2022)
,
PSSC January 2022 Open Mic (2022)
,
Share Your Story with Michael De Groot (UK) (2022)
,
UniVERSE Poetry Initiative-Open Mic (2022)
,
How One Book Can Make A Difference- Kim Jacobs Podcast (2021)
Prizes won: 

2023

  • Pushcart Prize poem nomination - The Elevation Review
  • Longlisted for the African Diaspora Award - Kinsman Quarterly
  • Second Place poetry winner - National Career Development Association

2022

  • Third Place poetry winner - South Carolina Career Development Association
  • Poetry Winner - Empowering Justice Foundation
  • Third Place poetry winner - United Kingdom Thalassemia Society
  • 2022 First Place spoken word winner - Starkville Area Arts Council

2021

  • Second Place poetry winner virtual poetry slam- Taking It Global in Toronto, Canada)
  • Second Place poetry winner virtual poetry slam- St. Lawrence County Arts Council

Personal Favorites

Favorite authors: 
Phillis Wheatley, Maya Angelou, & Zora Neal Hurston

More Information

Gives readings: 
Yes
Travels for readings: 
Yes
Identifies as: 
African American
Prefers to work with: 
At Risk Youth, Children, Schools, Teenagers
Fluent in: 
English
Born in: 
Columbia, SC
South Carolina
Raised in: 
Hopkins, SC
South Carolina
Please note: All information in the Directory is provided by the listed writers or their representatives.
Last update: Jan 25, 2024