Writing as a Bridge Between Identity and Community: Meet Aurelia Luciano
Photography by Saba Maheen
Aurelia Luciano has carved a creative space that is as personal as it is universal. As a Dominican American poet and community organizer, Aurelia's work explores the intersection of identity, cultural heritage, and storytelling. It invites readers to join her, not just to step into her journey, but to hold up a mirror that reflects their own stories.
Aurelia's poetic voice is deeply rooted in her Afro-Latinx identity—a duality she sees as both a source of complexity and profound richness.
"There are so many roots to untangle when discovering the history behind being a Black Latina. The rich history, frightening forms of oppression, and the genocide of my ancestors inform so much of what I write about, how I live my life, and how I unlearn the generational trauma instilled within me."
Her ability to confront these themes makes her work a testament to the generational healing that can come from storytelling. For Aurelia, poetry is an act of reclamation of her history, her voice, and the narratives of those who came before her. In this way, her poetry becomes a medium that connects the personal to the collective, bridging the gap between individual identity and shared human experiences.
As Aurelia reflects on the writers who have shaped her path, she describes the impact of seeing herself represented in literature.
"Elizabeth Acevedo has a way of turning YA novels in verse into holy grails for the inner Dominican girl within me," she shares. The Poet X, Acevedo's groundbreaking novel, resonated so deeply with Aurelia that she couldn't read anything else for weeks after finishing it. "It felt like she had written my whole childhood and adolescence."
This representation extends beyond inspiration, reshaping how Aurelia approaches her craft.
"Acevedo’s work reminds me to tap into my roots and those of my ancestors to create well-rounded poems."
For Aurelia, identity is an evolving dialogue that is embedded in every aspect of her writing process. She describes it as an exploration—one that delves into her lineage, asks difficult questions, and seeks to understand the multifaceted nature of who she is.
"I’m always asking myself and my writing, ‘Who am I?’” she says. "I want readers to learn more about themselves as they learn about me—to uncover their lineages and expand their own narratives."
Her poetry often calls for readers to reach inside themselves and expand their perspective, consider new ways of thinking, and engage with ideas that challenge their understanding of the world.
"I hope my poetry incites curiosity in my readers. Curiosity about what it must be like to live in a brown or Black body in today’s world. Curiosity about navigating conversations around self-identity and questioning everything they’ve been told in their own writing."
The path of a poet is not without its struggles, and Aurelia is candid about the challenges she faces. Impostor syndrome has often been a lingering presence, raising doubts about her abilities and worthiness.
"There are moments when I ask myself, 'Am I actually a good writer? Do I belong on these stages?’" she confesses.
Balancing her creative ambitions with the demands of motherhood, relationships, and work has only added to the weight of these questions. Yet, Aurelia has found ways to navigate these challenges with grace. She emphasizes the importance of intentional rest and living fully outside the creative process.
"Giving myself time away from the page allows inspiration to strike in unexpected moments."
Whether it’s spending time in nature, connecting with loved ones, or simply being present, these everyday acts replenish her creative spirit. Aurelia also highlights the value of community in overcoming creative blocks.
"Having accountability partners in creativity is a blessing. You won’t stay too far behind for long when you have people who believe in you and your work."
After being in community with Aurelia, viewing her work as a movement, not just a creative outlet, is easy. As the founder of the Golden Light Open Mic series, she has created a platform that embodies her vision of community and connection. These events are intentionally curated to foster safe spaces where attendees feel empowered to share their talents, thoughts, and art.
"Each event is designed with the attendees in mind. It’s about creating an intentional space for community building and brave expression."
This ethos is woven into her writing, which serves as both a reflection of her own journey and an invitation to others to embark on their own.
"Poetry is a form of release and expression, but it’s also a way to foster dialogue," she says.
Poetry reminds us of our shared humanity. It allows us to reach across differences, offering a space where we can lean on one another, learn from one another, and grow together. Aurelia’s work embodies this connection. By writing with honesty and vulnerability about every part of her identity, she opens a door for others to reflect, question, and connect. Her poetry is a gift to something larger, a contribution to a collective understanding that we all can benefit from.
About Aurelia:
Aurelia Luciano (@goldenlightpoetry) is a Dominican American poet who writes about her life experiences as a millennial, Black, & Latinx woman. In 2021, Aurelia began sharing her poetry via her Instagram and organizations like JC Art Productions, NJ Theatre Alliance, and publications with Olney Magazine, Milk Press, Spoken Black Girl Magazine, and more. With a deeply rooted love for poetry and event planning, Aurelia has been hosting the Golden Light Open Mic and other high-vibrational events for over two years. Aurelia is a community event host/organizer, one of four event producers at SMUSH Gallery in JC, & single mother to a rockstar.
About Golden Light Open Mic:
Aurelia says, “Two and half years ago, I decided to branch out and create my own series of events and event collaborations with local businesses and entrepreneurs in my community. Golden Light Open Mic is the longest-running event of this series and is a platform for ALL creatives to share their work in our local community.
Each event is curated with the attendees in mind, creating an intentional space where all feel safe and brave enough to share a talent, a thought, or a piece of art while engaging in community building and activities. We are on a 6 month hiatus at the moment but in Feb. 2025 we will be back in full swing with the 3rd annual SMUSH Gallery Black History Open Mic!”
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