Today we’d like to introduce you to Avalon Hogans.
Hi Avalon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started writing as a child, and I carried that passion with me as I attended Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA) and studied creative writing there for four years. As a creative writer at HSPVA, I learned, created, and performed my craft while gaining an interdisciplinary arts education.
In my senior year of high school, I applied and was accepted to be the 2021-2022 Houston Youth Poet Laureate. As the Houston Youth Poet Laureate program is sponsored by Writer’s in the Schools, Houston Public Library, and The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, this title of Youth Poet Laureate is an official one of the city. This position calls for dedication to serving the city with civic leadership through the power of writing.
The night I was named Houston Youth Poet Laureate, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner awarded me with a day proclamation (Avalon Hogans Day, November 17, 2021) to further celebrate and encourage my passion for civic engagement, civil rights, and social change through the arts.
After I graduated from HSPVA, I decided to continue my education at Rice University. Currently, I am a sophomore studying English, African-American Studies, and Civic Leadership.
My favorite part about being a writer is the creativity, freedom, and collaboration that the art form allows. In the past year, I have worked with groups such as NASA, Rice University, the Houston Sports Awards (aired on ABC, Fox Sports), The League of Women’s Voters, March for Our Lives, NAACP, University of Houston, and more. One of my more recent projects was with the Houston Rockets, where I wrote, starred in, and co-produced a video in Houston’s Historic Freedmen’s Town in celebration of Juneteenth.
Aside from poetry, I also have a passion for writing libretto, playwriting, creative directing, and conducting archival research. The majority of my art and writing centers themes of identity, Black history, and social change. As my relationship with creative writing has grown from a curious passion to a formal education to my professional practice, I hold great gratitude in being able to continue my pursuit of writing and to share my work with others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A major obstacle I face as a writer/creative in college is balancing work, art, and school life. One way I try to overcome this obstacle is by learning the power of “no.” Sometimes, amazing opportunities arise, but to preserve my energy, I must decline them. It’s very difficult for me to take time for rest, but a major goal of mine for this school year is to do just that. In the end, it’s better for my mental health and, therefore, better for my writing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a writer, artist, archivist, and activist. The craft I practice and perform most is spoken word poetry. I’ve performed at events such as The National Nonpartisan Conversation for Voters Rights, Mayor Sylvester Turner’s 2022 State of the City Address, Rice University’s Presidential Inaugural Dinner, NASA’s 60th Anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s Moon Speech at Rice University, The 2023 Houston Sports Awards, the 2023 March for Our Lives rally at the Texas State Capitol, and more. I’ve also performed at spaces such as the Contemporary Arts Museum, University of Houston, Texas Southern University, Rothko Chapel, The Hobby Center for Performing and Visual Arts, Miller Outdoor Theatre, The Wortham Theater Center, The Houston Public Library, and more.
Aside from poetry, I write, create, and research for other creative practices. I had my debut as a librettist last spring at the showing of Mami Wata: Uncovering Heritage Through Opera at Alta Arts. I spent this past summer interning at Lawndale Art and Performance Center, where I assisted with curating the gallery, programming events, and building relationships with artists. I also started an archival project for Lawndale’s history in Houston. I conducted archival work and research for Dr. Waligora-Davis at Rice University for Houston’s Historic Freedmen’s Town. Additionally, I am a member of Houston Freedmen’s Town Stakeholder Committee in collaboration with the Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy and the Contemporary Arts Museum.
I am very passionate about my creative work, and I am very grateful to have the privilege of sharing it with others. I am still a full-time student, so I have a ways to go, but my intended career goal is to publish my own books and work in education. As the majority of my projects are about social change, that is what I hope to create. I hope to create change in Freedmen’s Town. As I am doing work to preserve its history, my hope is that this place becomes more well-known and that learning Black history becomes more accessible. I hope to create change in the Houston public education system. I was a student in Houston ISD for fifteen years, and I once worked for Houston ISD’s headquarters. I want to see more equitable practices amongst the different HISD schools, and I want to see a more racially inclusive curriculum in schools. Additionally, I want to create change in the Houston arts realm. As an artist that has brought my craft to civic roles, I see great opportunities for expanding the collaborations between Houston’s art, politics, and culture.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
My most important lesson has been staying true to my voice, my values, and my people. As I begin to gain more opportunities for my writing, it is vital that I keep in mind why I started writing in the first place: to create a positive impact. When I deviate from this goal, that is when I deviate from authenticity in my craft. I write to empower, educate, and celebrate, and in order to do this, I must stay true to myself and stay connected with my loved ones. I find collaboration, mentorship, and dedication help me most to validate my truth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/avalonhogans
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avalonhogans/
Image Credits
Grady Carter
Andre Humphrey
Rice University
Writers in the School
