Lorene Cary

About the Author

Lorene Cary is an acclaimed author, educator, and activist whose work explores the intersections of race, history, and personal resilience in America. Born in Philadelphia, she graduated from Yale University and later earned an MFA from the University of Pennsylvania, where she now teaches creative writing. Cary's debut novel, The Price of a Child, draws from the true story of a runaway slave's journey to freedom in antebellum Philadelphia, weaving historical facts with poignant narrative to illuminate the enduring costs of liberty. Her essays and memoirs, including Black Ice, reflect on her experiences as one of the first Black students at an elite boarding school, blending sharp social commentary with introspective prose. A former journalist for Time and Newsweek, Cary continues to champion underrepresented voices through her writing and community initiatives.