Community profiles
This space brings together Fellows, Faculty, and other members of the community in one place, reflecting the breadth of voices and experiences that shape Kimbilio’s work. Writers in the directory represent many stages of career, genres, and creative paths, all connected through a shared commitment to fiction from the African diaspora.
Emma Akpan
Emma Akpan is a writer who lives in Washington, DC, and was born in Toledo, Ohio. She is working on a novel about a thirteen year old girl in Toledo who uses hip-hop to navigate her difficult childhood, and a collection of short stories about women encountering gentrification in Washington, DC. She writes about girlhood, the unsaid, fugue and paths of escape, and agency for the powerless. Emma loves exploring other creative pursuits by baking cookies, taking pictures, or making floral arrangements or finding the best cup of coffee. Emma has been awarded a residency at Blue Mountain Center. She has participated in Kenyon Review Summer Workshop, Tin House Summer Workshop and is VONA Voices Fellow. Her writing has appeared in Reckon Magazine, New City Art, TBD Health, Rewire News, The Raleigh News and Observer and The Root. You can find more about Emma at emmaakpan.com, on Instagram @emmanism. [Emma was scheduled for the 2024 retreat, but got waylaid by travel troubles. We’re glad she’s able to join us for this summer’s retreat.]