DeLana R.A. Dameron

DéLana R. A. Dameron is an acclaimed storyteller working across poetry and prose. Her debut novel, "Redwood Court," garnered widespread recognition as a Reese’s Book Club Pick and a New York Times Editor’s Pick. She has also published two poetry collections: "How God Ends Us," which earned the South Carolina Poetry Book Prize under Elizabeth Alexander’s selection, and "Weary Kingdom," chosen by Nikky Finney for the Palmetto Poetry Series. Her writing has appeared in notable publications such as Kweli Journal, Los Angeles Review of Books, and The Rumpus.

A graduate of New York University’s MFA program in poetry, Dameron holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Beyond her literary career, she founded Saloma Acres, an equestrian and cultural space in Columbia, South Carolina, where she resides. Her multifaceted work extends to philanthropy through initiatives like the Black Art Futures Fund, which supports grassroots Black arts organizations. Dameron’s creative practice reflects a deep engagement with community, history, and artistic innovation.