Aziza Danielle Bailey Barnes, a visionary American poet, has left an indelible mark on the literary world. Born in October 1992, Aziza’s remarkable journey was marked by a passion for poetry, performance, and empowering diverse voices.
With a strong educational foundation, Aziza earned a B.A. from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and an MFA from the University of Mississippi. This academic background shaped their unique literary style, which resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Aziza’s literary debut, the chapbook “me Aunt Jemima and the nailgun” (2013), won the Exploding Pinecone Prize from Button Poetry. Their full-length poetry collection, “i be but i ain’t” (2016), garnered the Pamet River Prize from YesYes Books, solidifying their position in the literary world.
A true innovator, Aziza co-founded the Poetry Gods podcast and The Conversation Literary Festival, platforms dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and fostering dialogue within the literary community.
Aziza’s upcoming collection, “The Blind Pig,” promises to push boundaries in contemporary poetry. Throughout their career, Aziza has received numerous awards and fellowships, including the Winter Tangerine Award, NYU Grey Art Gallery Prize, and fellowships from Poets House and Cave Canem.
As an emerging leader in poetry and performance, Aziza continues to inspire new generations of writers and artists. Their legacy serves as a testament to the power of creativity, diversity, and empowerment.
