Dr. Liz Johnston-Dupre is a multi-disciplinary writer and creative force with a passion for storytelling.
A proud Creole and native New Orleanian, Liz channels the city’s rich cultural tapestry into their art, scholarship, and performances. As the Founder and Chief Creative Director of Folk Riot, a southern arts and culture company, Liz curates spaces that celebrates creativity in the Gulf South, from theatrical plays to quarterly digital magazines.
An accomplished academic, Liz earned their Ph.D. in Comparative Literature with a French Minor from Louisiana State University in 2023. Their Death, Dreaming, and Diaspora: Achieving Orientation Through Afro-Spirituality explores the transformative power of Afro-diasporic practices in literature, poetry, and film. This theme of reclaiming identity through spiritual and cultural micropractices also builds on Liz’s Zora Neale Hurston Award winning thesis, My Mother Read My Dreams: Dream Interpretation in the African Diaspora.
Liz’s writing has been featured in numerous publications, and their poetry and essays often explore themes of memory, identity, and resilience. Their books, Magnolias and Friends, Exes, and People I Can’t Call, published in 2024, blend sharp wit and poignant reflection, resonating with audiences across generations.
Beyond the page, Liz is a magnetic performer, bringing stories to life on stage with captivating energy. Whether hosting open mic nights or starring in theatrical productions, Liz’s performances are a celebration of storytelling in its rawest, most powerful form.
Throughout their career, Liz has championed creative expression as a force for connection and transformation. From founding and editing journals like Comparative Woman to mentoring aspiring writers, Liz is deeply committed to fostering community and celebrating diverse voices. Their research and artistic endeavors serve as a testament to the enduring power of creativity to heal, resist, and inspire.
When they’re not writing or performing, Liz can be found exploring the intersection of folklore and storytelling or enjoying the vibrant art and music scenes of New Orleans.
Liz Johnston-Dupre 