Camonghne Felix facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Camonghne Felix
Born	Bronx, New York
Occupation	Writer, poet, communications strategist
Notable work	Build Yourself a Boat (2019)

Camonghne Felix (pronounced kuh-MOHN; born in 1992) is an American writer and poet. She is also a communications strategist, which means she helps organizations plan how they share their messages with the public. Her first book of poems, Build Yourself a Boat, was recognized for a big award called the National Book Award in 2019.

Camonghne Felix: A Creative Career

Her Journey as a Poet

Camonghne Felix started her poetry journey by taking part in a national slam poetry festival called Brave New Voices. She was even featured in the festival's TV series on HBO in 2010.

In 2015, she published her first small book of poems, called a chapbook, titled Yolk. Her poetry was also included in a collection of poems called The Breakbeat Poets Volume 2: Black Girl Magic in 2018.

Build Yourself a Boat

Her first full collection of poems, Build Yourself a Boat, came out in April 2019. This book explores important and sometimes difficult topics. Critics really liked Build Yourself a Boat. One reviewer said it showed Felix's unique voice and amazing talent.

In 2020, Glamour magazine featured a special poem that Felix wrote and performed. She created this poem to honor Breonna Taylor as part of the magazine's 2020 Women of the Year film.

Work in Communications

Besides writing, Camonghne Felix has worked in communications. In 2015, she led projects about racial justice at an organization called Do Something.

Later, she worked as a senior manager of communications for Ms. magazine. In 2019, Felix was the communications director for a political campaign in Chicago. The next year, she joined Elizabeth Warren's 2020 presidential campaign. She was the director for strategic communications. As of 2020, she is a vice president at Blue State, a company that helps with digital strategy.

Awards and Honors

Literary Awards for Build Yourself a Boat

Her book Build Yourself a Boat has received several important recognitions:

• In 2019, it was longlisted for the National Book Award in Poetry.
• In 2020, it was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Awards in the Bisexual Poetry category.
• Also in 2020, it was a finalist for the PEN Open Book Award.

Other Recognitions

• In 2019, she was included in the Out 100 list.
• In 2020, Glamour magazine honored her as a Woman of the Year.