Alexis Pauline Gumbs

Alexis Pauline Gumbs is an American writer, independent scholar, poet, activist, and educator. Gumbs considers herself a queer black troublemaker, a black feminist love evangelist, and an aspirational cousin to all sentient beings. She has received significant recognition for her work, including the Windham Campbell Prize for poetry in 2023, and the Whiting Award for Nonfiction. Gumbs is also a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in Literature.

Beyond her individual achievements, Gumbs is known for her role in initiating and leading several community-focused projects. She founded and directs Eternal Summer of the Black Feminist Mind, and is the founder of BrokenBeautiful Press. Alongside her collaborator Sangodare, she co-founded the Black Feminist Film School. Gumbs' passion for community engagement also extends to projects like the Mobile Homecoming Trust, which she co-founded, and aims at honoring Black LGBTQ+ communities.

Gumbs' scholarly and creative work connects her to various global conversations. As the dramaturge for "Dat Black Mermaid Man Lady", a performance by Sharon Bridgforth, she demonstrated her commitment to the arts. Gumbs' work, her talks, and her teachings often explore subjects such as Black feminism, environmental justice, and the transformative power of love. These contributions have not only broadened our understanding of history and identity but have also opened up new possibilities for radical change.

She received her doctorate from Duke University, and her academic background spans English, African and African-American Studies, and Women and Gender Studies.