Valerie A. Smith, Back to Alabama, Sundress '24
@valeriesmithpoetry.bsky.social
Poet. Teacher. Author of Back to Alabama www.valeriesmithwriter.com
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Fb Valerie A. Smith Poetry
IG @Valeriesmithwriter
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LinkedIn Valerie A Smith, PhD
For Cyber Monday, I’m keeping it sweet and intentional. When you buy one copy of Back to Alabama, I’m gifting you another for free. My way of saying thank you for supporting my words and helping this story find new homes.
#cybermonday #backtoalabama #poetrylovers
#cybermonday #backtoalabama #poetrylovers
December 1, 2025 at 1:55 PM
For Cyber Monday, I’m keeping it sweet and intentional. When you buy one copy of Back to Alabama, I’m gifting you another for free. My way of saying thank you for supporting my words and helping this story find new homes.
#cybermonday #backtoalabama #poetrylovers
#cybermonday #backtoalabama #poetrylovers
For Cyber Monday, I’m keeping it sweet and intentional. When you buy one copy of Back to Alabama, I’m gifting you another for free. My way of saying thank you for supporting my words and helping this story find new homes.
#cybermonday #backtoalabama #poetrylovers
#cybermonday #backtoalabama #poetrylovers
December 1, 2025 at 1:03 PM
For Cyber Monday, I’m keeping it sweet and intentional. When you buy one copy of Back to Alabama, I’m gifting you another for free. My way of saying thank you for supporting my words and helping this story find new homes.
#cybermonday #backtoalabama #poetrylovers
#cybermonday #backtoalabama #poetrylovers
For Small Business Saturday, when you buy one copy of Back to Alabama, I’m giving you a second one free. Your support helps these stories live.
Cashapp kv25549 Venmo vsmith_25549
#smallbusinesssatruday #sbs #backtoalabama #poetrylovers
Cashapp kv25549 Venmo vsmith_25549
#smallbusinesssatruday #sbs #backtoalabama #poetrylovers
November 29, 2025 at 4:46 PM
For Small Business Saturday, when you buy one copy of Back to Alabama, I’m giving you a second one free. Your support helps these stories live.
Cashapp kv25549 Venmo vsmith_25549
#smallbusinesssatruday #sbs #backtoalabama #poetrylovers
Cashapp kv25549 Venmo vsmith_25549
#smallbusinesssatruday #sbs #backtoalabama #poetrylovers
For Today only, This is my Black Friday special: Buy one, get one FREE. Plus a postcard and an exclusive debut recording from My new poetry collection. A perfect gift for poetry lovers.
For just $20
Cashapp kv25549
Venmo vsmith_25549
#blackfriday #blackfridaypoetry #backtoalabama #poetrylovers
For just $20
Cashapp kv25549
Venmo vsmith_25549
#blackfriday #blackfridaypoetry #backtoalabama #poetrylovers
November 28, 2025 at 1:30 PM
For Today only, This is my Black Friday special: Buy one, get one FREE. Plus a postcard and an exclusive debut recording from My new poetry collection. A perfect gift for poetry lovers.
For just $20
Cashapp kv25549
Venmo vsmith_25549
#blackfriday #blackfridaypoetry #backtoalabama #poetrylovers
For just $20
Cashapp kv25549
Venmo vsmith_25549
#blackfriday #blackfridaypoetry #backtoalabama #poetrylovers
Happy Saturday! Check out my new poem With Mom. Thrilled to be published in Hamilton Stone Review.
November 22, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Happy Saturday! Check out my new poem With Mom. Thrilled to be published in Hamilton Stone Review.
Reading with Birmingham Poetry Review Tuesday November 4th
uab.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
uab.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Looking forward! I will be reading Back to Alabama for Birmingham Poetry Review's Zoom Reading Series. Tues Nov 4th.
7pm CST
uab.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
7pm CST
uab.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
November 2, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Reading with Birmingham Poetry Review Tuesday November 4th
uab.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
uab.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Looking forward! I will be reading Back to Alabama for Birmingham Poetry Review's Zoom Reading Series. Tues Nov 4th.
7pm CST
uab.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
7pm CST
uab.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
October 24, 2025 at 4:23 AM
Looking forward! I will be reading Back to Alabama for Birmingham Poetry Review's Zoom Reading Series. Tues Nov 4th.
7pm CST
uab.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
7pm CST
uab.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Because Black. Because She. Because We. ✊🏾
Black history isn’t just the past—it’s the present, the fight, the resilience, and the win. Because she black, because she hoop, because she dunk, because she tatted up. 🏀✍🏾
Because she locked up, because she free.
Because she paid, because she write.
Black history isn’t just the past—it’s the present, the fight, the resilience, and the win. Because she black, because she hoop, because she dunk, because she tatted up. 🏀✍🏾
Because she locked up, because she free.
Because she paid, because she write.
October 9, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Because Black. Because She. Because We. ✊🏾
Black history isn’t just the past—it’s the present, the fight, the resilience, and the win. Because she black, because she hoop, because she dunk, because she tatted up. 🏀✍🏾
Because she locked up, because she free.
Because she paid, because she write.
Black history isn’t just the past—it’s the present, the fight, the resilience, and the win. Because she black, because she hoop, because she dunk, because she tatted up. 🏀✍🏾
Because she locked up, because she free.
Because she paid, because she write.
Here's the video! Thanks for an Amazing reading with MonicaWeatherly @notebookscltv.bsky.social
Now online: Our August event with @valeriesmithpoetry.bsky.social & Monica Lee Weatherly.
thenotebookscollective.com/notes/in-con...
thenotebookscollective.com/notes/in-con...
October 9, 2025 at 3:57 AM
Here's the video! Thanks for an Amazing reading with MonicaWeatherly @notebookscltv.bsky.social
For every woman who has been told to shrink, to be quiet, to make herself smaller than she is—this is for you. 💛
We have carried weightless burdens, sat with our knees pressed together, made room for others while feeling like we had none for ourselves. But listen, you are seen. You belong.
We have carried weightless burdens, sat with our knees pressed together, made room for others while feeling like we had none for ourselves. But listen, you are seen. You belong.
October 6, 2025 at 1:05 PM
For every woman who has been told to shrink, to be quiet, to make herself smaller than she is—this is for you. 💛
We have carried weightless burdens, sat with our knees pressed together, made room for others while feeling like we had none for ourselves. But listen, you are seen. You belong.
We have carried weightless burdens, sat with our knees pressed together, made room for others while feeling like we had none for ourselves. But listen, you are seen. You belong.
To the ones who held it down, held us up, and kept their joy rooted in resistance—
This one’s for you. 💐
In the spirit of "Black Woman" by Georgia Douglas Johnson, we honor the strength wrapped in softness, the sacrifice laced in silence, and the beauty born through struggle.
This one’s for you. 💐
In the spirit of "Black Woman" by Georgia Douglas Johnson, we honor the strength wrapped in softness, the sacrifice laced in silence, and the beauty born through struggle.
October 1, 2025 at 1:04 PM
To the ones who held it down, held us up, and kept their joy rooted in resistance—
This one’s for you. 💐
In the spirit of "Black Woman" by Georgia Douglas Johnson, we honor the strength wrapped in softness, the sacrifice laced in silence, and the beauty born through struggle.
This one’s for you. 💐
In the spirit of "Black Woman" by Georgia Douglas Johnson, we honor the strength wrapped in softness, the sacrifice laced in silence, and the beauty born through struggle.
The mic is our altar. The pen, our prayer.
"Caseloads of young, the North Star foggy.
When I was a child someone hit me so hard I lost my sense of beauty.
I hear the ocean beating where the ice marches over the shore.
Freedom is the choice to cross a river—
tell a child another world exists."
"Caseloads of young, the North Star foggy.
When I was a child someone hit me so hard I lost my sense of beauty.
I hear the ocean beating where the ice marches over the shore.
Freedom is the choice to cross a river—
tell a child another world exists."
September 29, 2025 at 1:03 PM
The mic is our altar. The pen, our prayer.
"Caseloads of young, the North Star foggy.
When I was a child someone hit me so hard I lost my sense of beauty.
I hear the ocean beating where the ice marches over the shore.
Freedom is the choice to cross a river—
tell a child another world exists."
"Caseloads of young, the North Star foggy.
When I was a child someone hit me so hard I lost my sense of beauty.
I hear the ocean beating where the ice marches over the shore.
Freedom is the choice to cross a river—
tell a child another world exists."
As a poet, I often reflect on the writers who've shaped my journey—like Derrick O'Brown, who virtually visited our class before earning the Pulitzer, or Claudia Rankine, Gregory Pardlo, and even Robert Frost. While I can’t rank them, each has left a lasting impression on me.
September 24, 2025 at 4:12 PM
As a poet, I often reflect on the writers who've shaped my journey—like Derrick O'Brown, who virtually visited our class before earning the Pulitzer, or Claudia Rankine, Gregory Pardlo, and even Robert Frost. While I can’t rank them, each has left a lasting impression on me.
@kevonstage.bsky.social I got your book! Hit me up for your signed copy of Back to Alabama! And one for Mrskevonstage too!
September 23, 2025 at 11:28 PM
@kevonstage.bsky.social I got your book! Hit me up for your signed copy of Back to Alabama! And one for Mrskevonstage too!
Teaching poetry is more than just analyzing words on a page—it's about exploring the world we live in. I’m considering not only the books we’ll read but also the deeper discussions we’ll have. This is a space to use poetry as a lens to examine the social issues of our time.
September 22, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Teaching poetry is more than just analyzing words on a page—it's about exploring the world we live in. I’m considering not only the books we’ll read but also the deeper discussions we’ll have. This is a space to use poetry as a lens to examine the social issues of our time.
Yeah, everybody seems to know everybody. And it’s funny how imposter syndrome—oh, the stories all sound the same. But when you’re in it, whew, it hits different. I’m in these classes, fresh off my master’s, like 'I made it. I’m here!' But then that little voice creeps in, 'Am I supposed to be here?
September 19, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Yeah, everybody seems to know everybody. And it’s funny how imposter syndrome—oh, the stories all sound the same. But when you’re in it, whew, it hits different. I’m in these classes, fresh off my master’s, like 'I made it. I’m here!' But then that little voice creeps in, 'Am I supposed to be here?
Stepping into the spotlight feels a little surreal, but I’m deeply grateful for the love and support tonight. Poetry has always been about amplifying voices, and I’m honored to share my journey as both a poet and scholar.
September 17, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Stepping into the spotlight feels a little surreal, but I’m deeply grateful for the love and support tonight. Poetry has always been about amplifying voices, and I’m honored to share my journey as both a poet and scholar.
✨ Black culture. Black love. Black life. Black poetry. ✨
Reading these poems was like discovering a reflection of my own voice—a legacy stretching back to the Harlem Renaissance, to the brilliance of Gwendolyn Brooks and beyond.
Reading these poems was like discovering a reflection of my own voice—a legacy stretching back to the Harlem Renaissance, to the brilliance of Gwendolyn Brooks and beyond.
September 15, 2025 at 2:06 PM
✨ Black culture. Black love. Black life. Black poetry. ✨
Reading these poems was like discovering a reflection of my own voice—a legacy stretching back to the Harlem Renaissance, to the brilliance of Gwendolyn Brooks and beyond.
Reading these poems was like discovering a reflection of my own voice—a legacy stretching back to the Harlem Renaissance, to the brilliance of Gwendolyn Brooks and beyond.
📚✨ Meet the storytellers shaping our community! ✨📚
The Switzer Library Local Author Fair is the perfect place to discover new voices, support local talent, and maybe even find your next favorite book.
Join us on Saturday, Sept. 13th, from 12–3 PM at 266 Roswell St., Marietta, GA.
The Switzer Library Local Author Fair is the perfect place to discover new voices, support local talent, and maybe even find your next favorite book.
Join us on Saturday, Sept. 13th, from 12–3 PM at 266 Roswell St., Marietta, GA.
September 11, 2025 at 4:04 PM
📚✨ Meet the storytellers shaping our community! ✨📚
The Switzer Library Local Author Fair is the perfect place to discover new voices, support local talent, and maybe even find your next favorite book.
Join us on Saturday, Sept. 13th, from 12–3 PM at 266 Roswell St., Marietta, GA.
The Switzer Library Local Author Fair is the perfect place to discover new voices, support local talent, and maybe even find your next favorite book.
Join us on Saturday, Sept. 13th, from 12–3 PM at 266 Roswell St., Marietta, GA.
For every woman who has been told to shrink, to be quiet, to make herself smaller than she is—this is for you. 💛
We have carried weightless burdens, sat with our knees pressed together, made room for others while feeling like we had none for ourselves. But listen, you are seen. You belong.
We have carried weightless burdens, sat with our knees pressed together, made room for others while feeling like we had none for ourselves. But listen, you are seen. You belong.
September 10, 2025 at 1:16 PM
For every woman who has been told to shrink, to be quiet, to make herself smaller than she is—this is for you. 💛
We have carried weightless burdens, sat with our knees pressed together, made room for others while feeling like we had none for ourselves. But listen, you are seen. You belong.
We have carried weightless burdens, sat with our knees pressed together, made room for others while feeling like we had none for ourselves. But listen, you are seen. You belong.
Join us on Saturday, Sept. 13th, from 12–3 PM at 266 Roswell St., Marietta, GA.
I will be one of the featured authors is Valerie A. Smith, poet and author of Back to Alabama. Come hear her words, feel her artistry, and connect with her story. 💫
📖 Free admission
🤝 Meet & mingle with local authors
I will be one of the featured authors is Valerie A. Smith, poet and author of Back to Alabama. Come hear her words, feel her artistry, and connect with her story. 💫
📖 Free admission
🤝 Meet & mingle with local authors
September 8, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Join us on Saturday, Sept. 13th, from 12–3 PM at 266 Roswell St., Marietta, GA.
I will be one of the featured authors is Valerie A. Smith, poet and author of Back to Alabama. Come hear her words, feel her artistry, and connect with her story. 💫
📖 Free admission
🤝 Meet & mingle with local authors
I will be one of the featured authors is Valerie A. Smith, poet and author of Back to Alabama. Come hear her words, feel her artistry, and connect with her story. 💫
📖 Free admission
🤝 Meet & mingle with local authors
📚✨ Meet the storytellers shaping our community! ✨📚
Join us on Saturday, Sept. 13th, from 12–3 PM at 266 Roswell St., Marietta, GA. I will be one of the featured authors is Valerie A. Smith, poet and author of Back to Alabama. Come hear her words, feel her artistry, and connect with her story.
Join us on Saturday, Sept. 13th, from 12–3 PM at 266 Roswell St., Marietta, GA. I will be one of the featured authors is Valerie A. Smith, poet and author of Back to Alabama. Come hear her words, feel her artistry, and connect with her story.
September 5, 2025 at 1:02 PM
📚✨ Meet the storytellers shaping our community! ✨📚
Join us on Saturday, Sept. 13th, from 12–3 PM at 266 Roswell St., Marietta, GA. I will be one of the featured authors is Valerie A. Smith, poet and author of Back to Alabama. Come hear her words, feel her artistry, and connect with her story.
Join us on Saturday, Sept. 13th, from 12–3 PM at 266 Roswell St., Marietta, GA. I will be one of the featured authors is Valerie A. Smith, poet and author of Back to Alabama. Come hear her words, feel her artistry, and connect with her story.
I honor the women, like my mother, who nurture, heal, and plant seeds of possibility—the ones who come bearing wisdom, resilience, and love in ways we don’t always recognize until we’ve grown into them.
She doesn’t need history books or faraway places to know what thrives.
She doesn’t need history books or faraway places to know what thrives.
September 3, 2025 at 1:07 PM
I honor the women, like my mother, who nurture, heal, and plant seeds of possibility—the ones who come bearing wisdom, resilience, and love in ways we don’t always recognize until we’ve grown into them.
She doesn’t need history books or faraway places to know what thrives.
She doesn’t need history books or faraway places to know what thrives.
Legion, for we are many.
Anthony Hill, a name etched in memory, a life mistaken for a threat. His war-torn mind was exposed, his body unarmed yet perceived as armed. On that fateful day, March 9, 2015, an Officer arrived, and instead of compassion, panic spoke louder.
Anthony Hill, a name etched in memory, a life mistaken for a threat. His war-torn mind was exposed, his body unarmed yet perceived as armed. On that fateful day, March 9, 2015, an Officer arrived, and instead of compassion, panic spoke louder.
August 30, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Legion, for we are many.
Anthony Hill, a name etched in memory, a life mistaken for a threat. His war-torn mind was exposed, his body unarmed yet perceived as armed. On that fateful day, March 9, 2015, an Officer arrived, and instead of compassion, panic spoke louder.
Anthony Hill, a name etched in memory, a life mistaken for a threat. His war-torn mind was exposed, his body unarmed yet perceived as armed. On that fateful day, March 9, 2015, an Officer arrived, and instead of compassion, panic spoke louder.
I honor the woman who shaped me—my grandmother.
She was Southern steel and Sunday elegance—bold enough to snatch a snake mid-conversation, yet gentle enough to heal with her hands. She walked heavy, lived boldly, and never let fear call the shots.
She was Southern steel and Sunday elegance—bold enough to snatch a snake mid-conversation, yet gentle enough to heal with her hands. She walked heavy, lived boldly, and never let fear call the shots.
August 28, 2025 at 1:42 PM
I honor the woman who shaped me—my grandmother.
She was Southern steel and Sunday elegance—bold enough to snatch a snake mid-conversation, yet gentle enough to heal with her hands. She walked heavy, lived boldly, and never let fear call the shots.
She was Southern steel and Sunday elegance—bold enough to snatch a snake mid-conversation, yet gentle enough to heal with her hands. She walked heavy, lived boldly, and never let fear call the shots.