Picture a poet and storyteller who weaves Black history and culture into vibrant, accessible tales—meet Rio Cortez! Born in Salt Lake City and now thriving in Harlem, this New York Times bestselling author has captivated readers with her lyrical poetry and heartfelt children’s books. Her debut poetry collection, Golden Ax, earned a National Book Award longlist nod, while her picture book The ABCs of Black History became a beloved staple in classrooms and homes. With a style that’s both profound and inviting, Cortez is a rising star in contemporary literature.
The Making of Rio Cortez
Rio Cortez was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, descending from a Black pioneering family, the Howells, who shaped her unique perspective. Growing up in a region not typically associated with Black history, she felt a sense of singularity that fueled her curiosity about her roots. Cortez earned an MFA in Creative Writing from New York University and received fellowships from prestigious organizations like Cave Canem and Poet’s House. Her early career included roles at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, where she honed her craft and deepened her connection to Black storytelling.
Her journey as a writer began with poetry, a medium that allowed her to explore personal and political frontiers. Inspired by her family’s history as ‘Afropioneers’ in the American West, Cortez coined terms like ‘Afropioneerism’ and ‘Afrofrontierism’ to frame her narrative, blending archival research with imaginative storytelling. This foundation set the stage for her genre-spanning career.
Rio Cortez’s Unforgettable Stories
Cortez’s debut poetry collection, Golden Ax (Penguin, 2022), is a tour de force that explores Black history, identity, and imagined futures. Longlisted for the 2022 National Book Award and the PEN America Open Book Award, it’s praised for its lyrical intelligence and witty pop culture nods. Critics like Roxane Gay have lauded its investment in the past, present, and future, making it a standout in contemporary poetry.
Her children’s book, The ABCs of Black History (Workman, 2020), is a New York Times bestseller that introduces young readers to Black culture through an alphabetical journey. From ‘A’ for activism to ‘Z’ for zenith, it’s both educational and joyful, earning praise for its accessibility. Another picture book, The River Is My Ocean (Simon & Schuster, 2024), celebrates Black lives with poetic grace, while her chapbook, I Have Learned to Define a Field as a Space Between Mountains (2015), won the Toi Derricotte and Cornelius Eady Chapbook Prize for its innovative exploration of space and identity.
Cortez’s writing style is fluid and emotionally resonant, blending oral history, archival research, and speculative elements. Her work invites readers to reconsider history through a Black lens, making complex themes approachable for all ages. Whether in poetry or picture books, her voice is a bridge between generations and cultures.
Why Rio Cortez Matters
Rio Cortez’s impact lies in her ability to make Black history and culture accessible and inspiring. Her children’s books empower young readers to embrace their heritage, while her poetry challenges adults to rethink narratives of the past and future. By centering Black voices in spaces like Utah’s pioneer history, she expands the literary canon and fosters inclusivity. Her work at HarperCollins, amplifying BIPOC writers, further underscores her commitment to equity in publishing.
As a Pushcart-nominated poet and bestselling author, Cortez is shaping the future of literature with stories that resonate across demographics. Her exploration of ‘Afropioneerism’ and ‘Afrofrontierism’ offers a fresh lens on Black identity, making her a vital voice in today’s cultural landscape.
- Born: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Key Works: Golden Ax, The ABCs of Black History, The River Is My Ocean
- Awards: National Book Award longlist, PEN America Open Book Award longlist, Toi Derricotte and Cornelius Eady Chapbook Prize
Snag The ABCs of Black History or dive into the lyrical world of Golden Ax—Rio Cortez’s stories are a must-read for anyone craving heartfelt, transformative literature!