For Simone Atangana Bekono, poetry provides the best means of exploring issues of layered identity and (black) solidarity. Obtaining a degree in creative writing from ArtEZ school for the arts in 2016, her graduation project Hoe de eerste vonken zichtbaar waren, a collection of letters and poems, was published by Wintertuin Uitgeverij and Lebowski Publishers. In her debut collection, she addresses the social stigmatization of race and gender, invoking empathy and human connection in a voice that is both confident and innovative. Bekono’s work appeared in a number of magazines as well as Zwart, an anthology of African-European writers from the Low Countries. She is currently working on her first novel, which will be published by Lebowski.