Picture a poet who weaves raw emotion and sharp intellect into verses that hit like a thunderbolt—meet Camonghne Felix! This American writer, poet, and communications strategist has carved a unique path, blending lyrical storytelling with fearless explorations of trauma, identity, and politics. From making history as the youngest and first Black woman speechwriter for a New York governor to earning a National Book Award nomination, Felix’s journey is as captivating as her words.
The Making of Camonghne Felix
Born in 1992 and raised in The Bronx, New York, Camonghne Felix grew up with a love for words that led her to the national slam poetry festival Brave New Voices, where she shone in the 2010 HBO series. Mentored by poet Mahogany L. Browne, she honed her craft while earning an MA in Arts Politics from NYU and an MFA from Bard College. Her early career was equally dynamic—she worked as a political strategist, including a historic stint in 2015 as Governor Andrew Cuomo’s speechwriter, breaking barriers as the first Black woman and youngest person in the role.
Camonghne Felix’s Unforgettable Stories
Felix’s poetry is a powerful blend of vulnerability and strength, tackling themes like sexual assault, abortion, and systemic injustice with unflinching honesty. Her debut chapbook, Yolk (2015), introduced her bold voice, but it was her first full-length collection, Build Yourself a Boat (2019), that cemented her as a literary force. Longlisted for the 2019 National Book Award and a finalist for the Lambda Literary Awards, this work redefines trauma through lyric and memory, earning praise for its “unmistakable voice and impressive talent.”
In 2023, Felix released Dyscalculia: A Love Story of Epic Miscalculation, a poetic memoir that uses her childhood struggle with dyscalculia—a math learning disorder—as a metaphor for navigating love and heartbreak. Critics lauded its raw beauty, with Time noting its “sharp millennial voice.” Her essays, featured in The Cut, Vanity Fair, and Teen Vogue, further showcase her ability to blend cultural critique with personal narrative, making her work resonate across audiences.
Why Camonghne Felix Matters
Camonghne Felix’s impact lies in her ability to make the personal universal. Her work amplifies marginalized voices, particularly those of Black women, while inviting readers to confront hard truths with humor and grace. As a queer poet and advocate, she brings queerness and feminism into spaces like politics and literature, creating safe spaces for authenticity. Her influence extends beyond the page—she’s inspired a new generation of poets to write with intention, as she learned from her mentor Browne.
- Born: 1992, The Bronx, New York
- Key Works: Yolk (2015), Build Yourself a Boat (2019), Dyscalculia (2023)
- Awards: Longlisted for 2019 National Book Award, 2012 Pushcart Prize nominee
- Fellowships: Cave Canem, Callaloo, Poets House
Ready to dive into Camonghne Felix’s electrifying world? Grab Build Yourself a Boat or Dyscalculia and let her words spark your imagination!