Theresa Davis, a celebrated poet, educator, and author, never imagined her words would shine as an iconic display in vibrant red at one of West Midtown’s cultural hotspots.
Born in St. Louis and raised in metro Atlanta from the age of 11, Davis has battled with the internal conflicts of self-acceptance and her queer identity throughout her life.
Poetry became a life raft for her, rescuing parts of her spirit that were becoming stagnant as she suppressed her true self.
‘It [poetry] definitely saved parts of me that I think were trying to atrophy,’ Davis shared, reflecting on her journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
In September of 2025, one of her poignant poems, “Ring Yourself Awake,” was immortalized by Dash Studio as part of the SITE exhibit at Goat Farm Arts Center.
This creation marks the inaugural showcase of NEON POETRY, a continuing series of lyrical and text-based sculptures from Dash Studio.
Allie Bashuk, the arts and cultural curator at Goat Farm, noted the overwhelmingly positive response from the studio’s tenants and residents, many of whom are thrilled to wake up each day to the thought-provoking installation’s message.
Her journey toward self-acceptance took many years, influenced by a life filled with poetic lineage and artistic expression.
Davis was born to poet parents Alice Lovelace and Charles Jikky Riley, who traveled the country to perform and teach poetry.
Growing up under the influence of their passion for literature and the arts, she found herself drawn to writing but initially pursued a more conventional career path, seeking stability in teaching and journalism rather than embrace her identity as an artist.
‘You know how sometimes you want to make these decisions, but you also know that things cost money — your stomach is hungry, and you have to put something in there,’ Davis recalled, explaining her transitional journey.
Although she started teaching primarily for financial reasons, Davis has come to appreciate the intersection of education and artistry in her life.
Her experience as an educator over the past three decades created a foundation that allowed her to break down the intricate elements of poetry and share them with others.
Davis’s approach to her career shifted dramatically following profound personal experiences that prompted her to embrace her true self.
Recognizing signs of depression throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, she began questioning her life choices, including her marriage to a man.
In a poignant moment just before her father’s death in 2003, he urged her to ‘stop trying to disappear,’ a declaration that led her on a journey toward authenticity.
His passing marked a turning point in her life, igniting a commitment to be visible and to embrace her identity fully.
Post-mourning, Davis found herself openly engaging in her community, frequently performing at open mic events in Atlanta, such as at Java Monkey where she built relationships with fellow poets.
Here, in the creative atmosphere of the coffee shop, she crossed paths with Nate Mask, a friend who would become a critical part of her poetic journey, as they nurtured their craft together.
Davis’s local presence in slam poetry opened doors to national opportunities, particularly when she participated in the Women of the World Poetry Slam competition in 2011.
Unexpectedly, she found herself stepping in for an absent poet and clinched victory with a touching piece about her father entitled “Why I do this,” resulting in a pivotal moment that was transformative for her career.
‘I went from not being in the competition to winning the competition, and it was kind of one of those moments where I felt like I’d finally gotten out of my way,’ Davis reflected on the monumental experience.
The momentum from her win propelled her toward additional opportunities, culminating in a book deal for her poem “Breathing Lessons,” which explored themes of early love.
Her debut book, After This We Go Dark, was published in 2013, followed by a series of accolades including a designated day in Atlanta each year on May 22 in her honor.
In subsequent years, Davis’s work continued to gain recognition, with her book Mermaid’s Manifesto being distinguished as a must-read for Georgians, further establishing her prominence in the literary community.
As Davis now serves as the literary program director at the ArtsXchange in East Point, she actively mentors upcoming writers, committed to helping others discover their voices sooner than she did.
Her family remains deeply involved in her artistic journey, with her mother and daughter also participating in various programs at the ArtsXchange.
Davis reflects on her journey with gratitude and pride, visibly aware that her father would have cherished witnessing her growth.
‘See, look, Dad. People can see me,’ she mused with a sense of fulfillment.
Her story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of poetry, self-acceptance, and the unyielding spirit of an artist dedicated to uplifting the next generation.
image source from：artsatl
