Artist Bio
K. Desireé Milwood is a Brooklyn-born, Panamanian American poet, author, and performer celebrated for her distinctively witty, incisive, and unconventional approach to haiku and poetry. Her published works include Poems for My Namesake (2016), A Womb of Violet: An Anthology (2019), and A Womb of Violet, Volume II: Blackness, Resistance, and Being (2021), each offering thought-provoking reflections on identity, resilience, and cultural memory.
Active in Newark's vibrant poetry scene since 2004, K. Desireé made Brick City her home in 2013, where she has hosted and curated widely beloved poetry events like Fermented Grapes, Mixology, Speak & Eat, and The People’s Open Mic, Newark’s longest-running open mic event. Her work has also taken center stage in performances, notably on Def Poetry Jam’s An Evening of Healing, Power & Poetry, and as part of Newark Symphony Hall's Symphony of Survival exhibit, where her poetry adorned the historic Broad Street entrance in a striking public installation. In 2024, she was selected as a featured poet for the prestigious Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival.
Beyond poetry, K. Desireé served as a powerful front-woman for The Band Called Fuse, blending hip-hop, rock, and soul to explore and challenge social and political narratives. Over her 14-year tenure, the band released groundbreaking albums such as Sucker Punch Gospel, Impossible Dream, and The Rise Together Live album and concert movie. The band’s fearless exploration of contemporary issues earned them a feature on U.S. News Beat’s award-winning Why We Riot episode, honored with the New York Press Club’s 2018 Best Podcast award.
With a voice and vision that continues to resonate across mediums, K. Desireé’s work remains a dynamic force, bridging poetry, music, and community engagement. K. Desireé is currently working on her next book with vigorous excitement.