Joshua Bennett

About the Author

Joshua Bennett is a poet, scholar, and storyteller whose work explores the intersections of Black life, history, and imagination with profound empathy and lyrical precision. A Cave Canem fellow and former National Book Critics Circle finalist, Bennett draws from his experiences as a professor at Vanderbilt University and his roots in the vibrant literary scene of New York City to craft verses that resonate with cultural memory and personal revelation. His debut collection, The Sobbing School (Penguin Poets), garnered acclaim for its innovative forms and unflinching gaze at grief, joy, and resilience in contemporary America. Through spoken word performances and essays, Bennett continues to illuminate the human condition, bridging academia and artistry in a voice that is both intimate and expansive.