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Home / 2024 Poets Across Lines Cohort

2024 Poets Across Lines Cohort

An illustration of a pen sketching a line on a white circle against a gray backdrop. Bold red and black text proclaims Poets Across Lines, encapsulating the spirit of creativity that knows no bounds.

PEN America welcomes the 2024 Poets Across Lines cohort in Birmingham, Alabama and Tuscon, Arizona. RuthAnn, Arlo Pate, Kevin Sanchez, and Kevin Tarver will each receive $1,250 and participate in a three-month mentorship program that includes in-person creative writing workshops around the themes of housing, LGBTQIA+ identity, and immigration, virtual guest speaker sessions with professionals in the literary field, having their work published in a zine, and a virtual performance this December.

The following incredible writers were 2024 finalists: Zaid Aldarghme, Alvin Austin, Dikeruis Belvins, Gabriel Baez, Mazerick Betko, Ash Hooke, Chelsea Reynolds, and Katie Shoup-Kim.

Meet the 2024 Poets Across Lines cohort below.

Birmingham, Alabama

  • A person wearing a black beanie and a black shirt with the word JOY. They have a beard and are smiling with eyes closed, hand resting behind their head. A colorful beaded necklace with a large pendant hangs from their neck.

    Kevin L. Tarver

    Kevin L. Tarver is a writer, educator, and mental health advocate living in Birmingham, AL. He is a… More

  • A person with short brown hair, wearing a green and red plaid shirt over a dark t-shirt, smiles gently while standing in front of leafy green trees.

    Arlo Pate

    Arlo Pate is a writer and educator currently nestled in Birmingham, Alabama. More

Tuscon, Arizona

  • A smiling person with dark hair, a beard, and a tattoo on their arm stands outdoors in front of a dense green leafy background, wearing a short-sleeved black shirt.

    Kevin Sanchez

    Kevin Sanchez was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. As a first generation college graduate,… More

  • A smiling person with long brown hair is wearing large, heart-shaped red glasses and an orange shirt, sitting in front of a light purple curtain.

    RuthAnn

    RuthAnn is an aroace abolitionist and accessibility advocate. More