Kenji LockettKenji Lockett (she/he/them) is a queer, gender nonconforming, BIPOC poet who is a native of Oakland, CA. They currently live in the Charlotte, NC area, and are a proud co-parent of two children and two pets: Lucy, an emotional support dog, and a beloved guinea pig named Reesey.
In 2006, Kenji was awarded a bachelor's degree in English Literature with a minor in African American studies from CSU East Bay in Hayward, CA. Moving to Southern California in 2012 for greater possibilities, Kenji left disappointed after experiencing 6 years of being underemployed and even unhoused at times. They moved to Arizona at the end of 2018 to start over and during their 4 years of living in the Phoenix area, Kenji used poetry to heal and encourage themselves and ultimately self-published a book of poems titled A.F.R.O. Volume 1. In 2022, Kenji moved to North Carolina where they continue to reside and are pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing with a concentration in poetry at Queens University. Their expected graduation is in May 2025. Kenji’s writing delves into their personal experience with mental health, sexuality, spiritual awakening, and gender identity. Lately, they have been working through a late autism diagnosis as an adult and how that has affected them in life both past and present. Aside from writing, Kenji is on the board of Charlotte Black Pride as a member at large. They are also a part of the Baha’i community and attend an affirming church which is part of their exploration in embracing religion and spirituality. Kenji also leads poetry workshops in their interfaith community, and works with autistic children as a Behavioral Technician. Kenji's book is available here: tinyurl.com/acj3baa5 and at Vocal |