Danez Smith is a renowned American poet, performer, and author known for their powerful and evocative work that explores themes of race, identity, queerness, and social justice. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, they have garnered widespread acclaim for their collections, including "Don't Call Us Dead," which was a finalist for the National Book Award, and "Homie," a New York Times Notable Book. Celebrated for their dynamic spoken word performances, Smith is a founding member of the Dark Noise Collective. Their work often highlights the intersectionality of marginalized identities, and their voice continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, inspiring dialogue and introspection.