iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

I might just do my own list at this point: www.nytimes.com/interactive/...

Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Looking forward to seeing the Theatrical Outfit production of Fences tonight. Back in high school I actually did a monologue from that play.

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Interesting list. Atlanta at #10. Glad to see Watchmen on there.

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Reposted by Charles Stephens

Kevin Powell @poetkevinpowell.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

TUPAC SHAKUR. This month/year marks 30 long years since he passed, sadly, tragically. I interviewed him many times, was there in Las Vegas when he died. This is the only thing I have to say about it all publicly, for now, my newest article for NEWSWEEK: www.newsweek.com/the-tupac-sh...

newsweek.com

The Tupac Shakur I Knew

Tupac has become, 30 years after his murder, the most anointed rapper ever. I knew his heart, laughter and many contradictions.

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

I first read James Baldwin when I was 12 years old. His final novel became my first novel, and the most important novel I’ve ever read next to “Song of Solomon.” HBD Uncle Jimmy!

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Reading at Sewanee. I was so inspired by all of the incredible artists there.

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Terrance Hayes “Watch Your Language”

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

Samuel R. Delany It’s funny how literary bonds can be formed, not just based on what you write but who you read. If you know, you know.

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

If I ever publish a book, I want at least one cover to be from a Barkley L. Hendricks work. This cover is from Hendricks’ “Icon For My Man Superman(Superman Never Saved Any Black People-Bobby Seale)”

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

My very worn and battered copy of Baldwin’s story collection, “Going to Meet the Man.” I’ve found “Sonny’s Blues” to be the most popular story from the collection. But I always want to discuss the title story “Going to Meet the Man,” especially around craft, history, and politics.

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Today is the birthday of filmmaker Marlon Riggs. I wrote this piece about him for @advocate.com in 2017. Check it out here: www.advocate.com/current-issu...

advocate.com

Why Black Gay Filmmaker Marlon Riggs Matters Now

<p>His work stands as inspiration for resistance to homophobia and racial hatred.</p>

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

Canopy Atlanta’s end-of-year fundraising campaign is underway!⁠ ⁠ Your support helps us train and pay residents who produce essential stories and coverage across Metro Atlanta.⁠ ⁠ To donate, visit: canopyatlanta.org/donate @canopyatl.bsky.social

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 16/11/2025

The reading and discussion last night at the “Reckoning Reading” was so electric. I’m completely shook. So grateful and proud of the literary community we built this year. Narrative change work requires storytellers who are willing to speak truth to power. We must support these efforts.

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 28/09/2025

Check out the latest issue of @storyquarterly.bsky.social where I have a story published, “Honor thy Father.” This is my first publication in a literary journal. Check it out, link in my bio.

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 30/08/2025

My first ever publication was an Op-Ed in the print edition of the AJC. This was in August 1997... charlesstephens.substack.com/p/when-my-fa...

charlesstephens.substack.com

When My Father Saw Me as a Writer...

and it was thanks to the AJC...

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

The Reckoning Reading Series, a new literary salon in Atlanta, is committed to building bridges and celebrating culture through the lens of fearless storytelling. Join us on September 13th for our next program. RSVP here: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-reckon...

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

eventbrite.com

The Reckoning Reading Series II

Join us for an upcoming reading with two incredible writers: Michaeljulius Y. Idani and Stephen Hicks

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

Really grateful for this incredible writing community.

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

Special thanks to @kimbiliofiction.com for this incredible opportunity and supporting my writing. Looking forward to this journey.

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Reposted by Charles Stephens

Tin House @tinhouse.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

beauties AND beautiful readings? blessed! #thsw

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Reposted by Charles Stephens

Mike Ingram @mikeingram.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

Hey, I'm accepting book pitches for @barrelhouse.bsky.social for our new nonfiction series, For What It's Worth. Book-length essays (25-30K words) on a pop cultural obsession, ideally with a personal angle that makes the book something only you could write.

barrelhouse.submittable.com

Barrelhouse - Book Pitches: For What It's Worth (CNF)

We're accepting pitches for a new book series, For What It's Worth: short (25-30K words) works of creative nonfiction that have some pop-cultural "thing" at their center and combine elements of memoir...

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 15/06/2025

"For a black father and son in modern-day America to talk honestly about racism demands, more than anything else, vulnerability." I published this essay several years ago in Atlanta Magazine. Let me know what you think. www.atlantamagazine.com/list/race-at...

atlantamagazine.com

How my father taught me about racism without ever saying so

Looking back, I realize my father was teaching me about racism without saying so. His insistence on me “having a skill” was his way of wanting me to be able to survive in a world where being black mea...

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

Thrilled to be a 2025 Kimbilio Fellow. Grateful to join this incredible community @kimbiliofiction.com

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

Just arrived and can’t wait to read: “The World Doesn’t Require You,” by Rion Amilcar Scott

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Reposted by Charles Stephens

Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

Thank you @storyquarterly.bsky.social for publishing my short story “Honor Thy Father.” I’m incredibly grateful for your support and belief in my work. Link in bio.

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 26/05/2025

Saturday I had the opportunity to participate in the “Deep South Convening on the Future Success of American Writers.” Special thanks to the organizing team for this historic gathering and inviting me to speak on the “Literature in Action” panel.

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

Thank you @storyquarterly.bsky.social for publishing my short story “Honor Thy Father.” I’m incredibly grateful for your support and belief in my work. Link in bio.

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

Saturday my friend and literary/movement brother Craig Washington invited me to be one of the speakers at the unveiling of his papers at @aarl_atl I was honored to speak about our friendship and years long collaboration. Also a reminder for us to donate our papers to archives.

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 18/05/2025

Look what just came in the mail. “Shade: An Anthology of Fiction by Gay Men of African Descent.” 1996. Co-Edited by Bruce Morrow and Charles H. Rowell

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 26/04/2025

Got to hang out at the Red Clay Writers Conference hosted by the Georgia Writers Association today at Kennesaw State University.

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

Ten years ago I founded my nonprofit organization @cnptribe.org as a love letter to the extraordinary legacy of poet Essex Hemphill. To this day, I owe so much to him, including my commitment to narrative change. Happy Birthday #essexhemphill

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 06/04/2025

We had such a powerful conversation last week, following Topdog/Underdog at Actor's Express. Special thanks to the performers and creative team #AEtopdog

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

Panel on poet Reginald Shepherd at AWP 2025. Grateful to be among such incredible writers.

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

I saw Bruce LaBruce's film The Visitor and yeah, I think we need to discuss it.

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

Congrats to Actor's Express on a brilliant production of TOPDOG/UNDERDOG. This is one of the best plays I’ve seen. I’m also moderating a talkback Sunday March 30th. Get tix at Actor's Express #AETopdog

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

I’ve been reading Edmund White since I was eighteen. Started reading his new memoir. He’s been an incredible part of my reading life.

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

I hope you can join us for our panel at AWP this year. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to discuss the work of poet Reginald Shepherd with this incredible group.

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Charles Stephens @charlesdotsteph.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

“Keeping It Real: Black Queer Fantasy and Superhero Comics” by Darieck Scott. @nyupress.bsky.social Cover art: Barkley Hendricks, “Icon for My Man Superman (Superman Never Saved Any Black People-Bobby Seale), 1969