Clara Olivo
Aki Kurose Middlle School, Mercer Middle School
Clara Olivo (they/them/elle) is an AfroSalvi poet, author and abolitionist living in diaspora. Born and raised in South Central L.A to Salvadoran refugees, their writing navigates the intersections of disability, displacement, and joy. Weaving an intricate tapestry of history and lived-experience that amplifies ancestral power and pride.
They’ve performed in open mics and ceremonies from Seattle to Washington D.C and are featured in publications such as The South Seattle Emerald, Valiant Scribe and Quiet Lightning’s Literary Mixtape. Their debut poetry collection The Whisper, The Storm and The Light In Between, received the Gold Medal for Best Bilingual Poetry Collection by The International Latino Book Awards in 2022.
Clara currently lives in a quiet home on unceded Duwamish land with their partner, dog and an ever-growing number of houseplants.