Picture a poet and pop culture guru who weaves nerd alchemical magic with words and wit—meet William Evans! A Columbus, Ohio native, Evans is a literary shapeshifter, blending raw, lyrical poetry with sharp nerd culture critiques as the co-founder of Black Nerd Problems. His work dances between heartfelt reflections on fatherhood and incisive commentary on representation in comics and films, making him a unique voice in both poetry and geekdom.
Evans’s journey is a vibrant tapestry of art, activism, and fandom. From slamming stages to penning essays that make you laugh and think, he’s built a community that celebrates Black nerd identity with humor and heart. Let’s dive into the world of this multifaceted creator whose words spark conversations and inspire change.
The Making of William Evans
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, William Evans grew up steeped in stories, thanks to a father who read Tolkien to him before he was even born. This early love for fantasy and sci-fi planted the seeds for his nerdy passions. A natural performer, Evans found his voice in the poetry slam scene, founding the Writing Wrongs Poetry Slam in 2008. His commanding presence earned him spots on national slam teams, blending raw emotion with cultural critique. A chance meeting with poet Omar Holmon in this vibrant community sparked a friendship and, eventually, the creation of Black Nerd Problems in 2014, a platform to amplify Black voices in geek culture.
Evans’s education took him to Randolph College in Virginia, where he pursued an MFA, honing his craft while juggling fatherhood and a burgeoning career. Grants like the 2016 Sustainable Arts Foundation and 2018 Spirit of Columbus Foundation awards fueled his creative fire, allowing him to carve out a space where poetry and pop culture collide.
William Evans’s Unforgettable Works
Evans’s poetry is a soulful exploration of identity, family, and resilience. His collection We Inherit What the Fires Left (2020) is a poignant meditation on fatherhood and racial legacy, weaving personal and communal narratives with tenderness and grit. Poems like “Trespass” balance harsh realities with hope, earning praise for their emotional depth. Still Can’t Do My Daughter’s Hair (2017) captures the joys and challenges of raising a Black daughter, blending humor with heartfelt vulnerability.
On the prose side, Black Nerd Problems: Essays (2021), co-authored with Omar Holmon, is a love letter to geek culture. From dissecting Simba’s flaws in The Lion King to tackling representation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the collection is a witty, incisive celebration of Black nerd identity. Critics, including Publishers Weekly, hailed it as a “master class in cultural criticism,” blending humor and pathos. Evans’s work doesn’t just entertain—it challenges readers to rethink stereotypes and embrace diverse narratives.
His style is conversational yet profound, often infused with pop culture references that make heavy topics accessible. Whether through poetry or essays, Evans’s voice is authentic, urging readers to laugh, reflect, and act.
Why William Evans Matters
William Evans is more than a poet or critic—he’s a cultural bridge-builder. Through Black Nerd Problems, he’s created a thriving community that empowers Black nerds to claim space in a historically exclusionary geek culture. His essays amplify #OwnedVoices, sparking dialogues about diversity in media that resonate far beyond fandom. In poetry, his exploration of Black fatherhood and systemic racism offers a lens into lived experiences often overlooked in mainstream literature.
Evans’s impact lies in his ability to make complex issues relatable, using humor and heart to dismantle barriers. His work inspires a new generation of writers and fans to embrace their identities unapologetically, proving that nerdiness and social justice can coexist. As a Callaloo and Watering Hole fellow, he’s also mentored emerging poets, leaving a lasting mark on the literary world.
- Born: Columbus, Ohio
- Key Works: We Inherit What the Fires Left, Still Can’t Do My Daughter’s Hair, Black Nerd Problems: Essays
- Awards: 2016 Sustainable Arts Foundation Grant, 2018 Spirit of Columbus Foundation Grant
- Notable Roles: Co-founder of Black Nerd Problems, Founder of Writing Wrongs Poetry Slam
Snag Black Nerd Problems: Essays or We Inherit What the Fires Left and dive into William Evans’s electrifying blend of poetry and pop culture critique. Your bookshelf—and your perspective—will thank you!