The Torch: Contributor Bios
Amanda Addo is a senior Communications, Public Relations student at Bowie State University. She enjoys writing poetry and has been writing since high school. Her favorite mediums of art include drawing, pottery, and podcasting. She currently has a podcast on Spotify titled, "Moon and Sun Catalog”, where she discusses the realities of growing up in your 20s. Addo plans to work in social media marketing and corporate affairs after graduation.
Dylan Avery is a Liberal Arts major at Anne Arundel Community College. Writing is something he does as a pastime, along with various other art forms such as sculpture, digital art, and fiber arts. He lives on the Eastern Shore with his dog Keith.
Simone Banks is an 18-year-old freshman at BSU, a Visual Communications and Motion Graphics major with a concentration in animation, and a passion for all kinds of fine arts, such as digital media, traditional drawing, and painting.
Mikala Barber is an emerging author. She is a junior at Bowie State University with a major in English, focusing on Creative Writing. She is from St. Mary’s County. She first started writing in 2020, posting her short stories on social media. When she came to Bowie, she found her love of poetry. She is looking forward to expanding her knowledge and skills in the humanities. In Spring 2024, she published her first piece of work, a poem called “A Hope In A Cage”, in The Torch.
Micah Clark is an emerging poet and photographer and a first-year student at Bowie State University, where he is majoring in studio arts and concentrating in photography. A native of Washington, DC, he enjoys creating art, including poems and visual images, that allow him to explore and better understand human emotions.
Sean Henderson is an aspiring screenwriter from Washington, DC. He is a senior at Bowie State University majoring in English with a Creative Writing concentration. He began writing poetry and short stories three years ago and is currently working on writing a feature film.
Jay Jordan is an emerging poet whose work explores the intertwined themes of hardship and love. Through the poetry platform @aasadflows on Instagram, he shares deeply personal reflections that delve into struggles, resilience, and the complexities of relationships. With a raw and emotional lens, Jay’s writing captures life’s challenges and joys, offering readers a poignant exploration of vulnerability and the human spirit. Focused on connecting with those who have faced adversity, Jay’s poetry seeks to inspire and resonate with individuals who find love as a guiding force through life’s trials.
Tazarion Keels is from Greenbelt, Maryland. He is a senior at Bowie State University. He is an emerging writer and has loved writing fiction since he was in 5th grade. He wants to use his skills as a creative writer and an illustrator to aid his future profession as a graphic novelist.
Cayla Lambert is an emerging video-editor and aspiring animation student currently enrolled in Bowie State University. In addition to editing and shooting videos since she was 12, Cayla has also worked in volunteer work as a requirement to finish high school at The Harbour School, a private school for students with learning disabilities. She has also worked at Six Flags. As the years went by, she grew to the point at which she could further develop her existing skills in post production to prepare herself for the film industry and to learn animation as a BSU student majoring in Visual Communication & Digital Media Arts with a concentration in Animation & Motion Graphics to pursue a Bachelor's Degree. Cayla also wrote a few scripts for film and stage and she aspires to acting for the stage, film, and voiceover.
Racquel Lee is a current junior at Bowie State University. Her major is English Literature with a minor in Creative Writing. She has been writing since she was a petulant child. She writes what is on her mind, and she hopes you enjoy her creative cognitive splurges.
Anijah Medley is currently studying Visual Communication and Digital Media Arts (VCDMA) with a concentration in digital media at Bowie State University. Alongside her studies, she is a student athlete on the university’s track and field team. Photography is more than a hobby for her; it’s her passion and a powerful form of self-expression. She loves capturing moments that reveal hidden details, whether in nature, sports, urban landscapes, or candid shots of everyday life. She aspires to turn her love for photography into a professional career, where she can share her unique perspective and inspire others through the art of storytelling with a lens.
Madeline Montenegro was born in El Salvador and immigrated to the United States at an early age. While working towards her bachelor’s degree at Bowie State University, she transitioned from traditional to digital art. Her unfiltered experiences give her a realistic view of situations. From a young age, she fell in love with the artistic process, making it difficult to stick to one medium, which led her to become a multimedia artist. She also discovered a love for poetry and storytelling. Inspired by the world around her, as well as her curiosity, experiences, and imagination, her artwork demonstrates the unsound reality of the world.
Vivi Nguyen is a Senior at Bowie State University who was first published in the Spring 2024 edition of The Torch. She loves writing and hopes to continue it for as long as she can.
Mikye Smith is an artist motivated by his creativity. From Charles County, he is a junior at Bowie State University after transferring from Prince George's Community College to complete his four-year degree with a major in Visual Communications Digital Media Arts (VCDMA). While drawing was always a hobby, it wasn’t until high school that he saw art as a potential career opportunity. He would post his work on social media, including original works and some based off popular IPs. As he continues his studies at BSU, his knowledge of the arts has also grown significantly with techniques and knowledge from his professors. While not new to the publication world, his new art piece "HBCU Legacy" will make its first debut in The Torch.
Mia Terry is a queer black artist based in Maryland that loves a little black magic. Her work consists of a variety of themes from inspiration all around her such as everyday life, films, landscapes, and even mental health. “I want the creativity that I possess and express to the audience to provide a new voice for growing generations.”
Nusaybah Williams is a senior at Bowie State University with a strong passion for poetry and creative nonfiction. She aspires to build a career in the literary field, contributing her voice and perspective to the world of writing.