Shams Alkamil is a Black Muslim poet. Alkamil began writing as a mode of self-expression to then being nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Her debut book ,”West 24th Street”, highlights the anchor a location has on lived experiences. Alkamil speaks of her struggles with queerness, self-love, and the immigrant experience. Alkamil’s work has appeared internationally in Mizna, The Ana, Ruth Weiss Foundation, Tofu Ink Arts Press, Writer Con, Poet’s Choice, and more. Her second book, “When Time is Circular” (Broadstone Books, 2024), will be published in June 2024. To read more of her work, visit www.shams-alkamil.com