Chelene Knight is an award-winning author whose works span poetry, memoir, fiction, and nonfiction. She is the author of the poetry collection "Braided Skin," the memoir "Dear Current Occupant"—winner of the 2018 Vancouver Book Award and longlisted for the George Ryga Award for Social Awareness in Literature—and the novel "Junie," which won the 2023 Vancouver Book Award and was longlisted for the Carol Shields Fiction Prize. Her forthcoming books include the narrative nonfiction "Let It Go" and a guided journal for writers, both slated for release in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Knight's writing explores themes of identity, belonging, and Black self-love, with her essays and poetry appearing in prominent publications such as the Globe and Mail, the Walrus, and the Toronto Star. Her work has been anthologized in collections like "Black Writers Matter," winner of the 2020 Saskatchewan Book Award, and her poem "Welwitschia" earned the 2020 CV2 Editor's Choice award. Beyond her writing, Knight has held key roles in the literary community, including managing editor of Room magazine and festival director for the Growing Room Festival.
A dedicated mentor and advocate for writers, Knight founded Breathing Space Creative, through which she offers programs like The Forever Writers Club and the Thrive Coaching Program. She has also taught poetry at the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia, further cementing her influence in fostering creative voices.