Inspiring and transforming lives through creativity

As a result of my poetry performances and workshops, individuals have an opportunity to be seen, understood, and empowered to share their stories and develop a community of freedom.

Byrd has performed at:

About Byrd

​Heather 'Byrd' Roberts is a Chicago-based poet, performer, teaching artist, and author of Mahogany: A Love Letter To Black. Byrd’s work focuses on the intersectionality between form and freedom. She uses her experiences as a black woman in a variety of spaces to shed light on issues of privilege, love, and familial relationships. Her work unlocks the opportunity for invisible voices to be heard. Byrd’s work appears in CAGIBI’s journal and Sixfold, she was a semi-finalist in the 25th Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Award, and was part of the Poetic Forum Collective. She is the 2019 St. Louis Fringe National Artist of the Year and an introductory core member of F.L.O.W. (For Love of Writing) women's writing group. Byrd is currently the Senior Education Programs Manager at Young Chicago Authors. Her favorite words are balloon and bubble.

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