Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Salaam Green. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Salaam, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

As a child I was imaginative and lived creativity. I could be found in solitude writing and a book in my hand reading Golden books. However, I did not begin a writing until later in life after a mental health crisis I found writing and journaling as a way to support my healing process. In my late 40’s I applied for my cities inaugural poet laureate position and was nominated and have served for the last year in the capacity of advocate for poetry and creatives. At 49 my debut poetry collection was released. It wasn’t until I was almost 50 before I became an author and had my first full length book published. I hope others are encouraged form my story to begin at any age and know that time is on your side and it is never too late to pursue and grow into a creative life. You are worth your dreams and that book, poem, piece of art will be something you can be proud of you put into the world and trusted yourself to achieve.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Salaam Green is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Birmingham, Alabama (2024–
2026), a 2026), a native of Greensboro, and founder of The Literary Healing Arts. A
storyteller and healer, she is a Kellogg Foundation Racial Healing Facilitator and
Alabama Humanities Foundation Road Scholar. Green holds an English degree
from the University of Montevallo and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education
from the University of North Dakota. She has held residencies at UAB, Auburn
University, and the former Wallace Plantation in Harpersville, Alabama. With 16+
years of experience, she uses poetry to create healing spaces rooted in
Southern history and resilience.
Green is the author of a collection of poems titled The Other Revival to be
released in June 2025. The Other Revival reclaims the Southern revival as a
space for truth-telling and healing through oral tradition
At a time when history is being erased, this book reminds us that the most vital
archives live in people—in their voices, memories, and willingness to pass stories
on.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I lost my job in 2016. It was a Career I worked on for over 15 years and had moved up the ranks extensively. After the job loss I suffered identity loss and began a reawakening to my creative self through writing, teaching at a local college, and journaling. I wrote myself back together again and began my creative endeavor. I learned that life will bring many transitions and that I can overcome and find a greater version of myself that has always been there.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I am in a space of ease and living by faith. I am unlearning hustle culture and that I must work hard or harder in order to enjoy life and a prosperous future. I spend lots of time in prayer and I have found a new church that is centered around the divinity of Jesus and feminine power. I believe that my presence and power is enough and I am learning how to be in the space of rest and peace as I move into deepening my writing career. As I was writing my current book in my late 40’s I got really ill and needed to relearn how to prioritize myself and my health. This taught me the importance of respecting my individual needs and to always do what’s best for me. My first full length book The Other Revival is out now and it is teaching me that I have lots of books and words to offer the world and I can do that with ease and practice wholeness as a black wan on my creative path.
The Other Revival shapes the story of a Black woman who is asked to perform her poetry at a former plantation house and grounds.
There, she hosts rituals for descendants of those enslaved at the house, and the descendants of their enslavers. The performances are collaborations and ways to heal – but they also wear down the speaker. Through a series of poetic discoveries, The Other Revival asks readers to consider our perceptions of history and the communities that host them. To purchase The Other Revival
and book me for signings and speaking engagements go Salaamgreen.com my email is [email protected].

Contact Info:

• Website: https://salaamgreen.com
• Instagram: @theliteraryhealer
• Facebook: Salaam Green
• Linkedin: Salaam Green
• Youtube: salaamgreen

Image Credits

Headshot. Amarr Croskey