Carla Christopher (she/her) is a performance poet, writer, event producer, host, and artist-advocate based in York, Pennsylvania.

Educated at Columbia University in the City of New York (Psychology, Creative Writing) and United Lutheran Seminary, Carla was a stage and independent film actress in the Detroit area and burlesque comedy performer and sketch writer in Baltimore (featured at the Baltimore Theatre Project, Baltimore Book Festival, Creative Alliance and more) before relocating to York. She was York, PA’s first Black Poet Laureate from 2011-2013. Community-based arts programs pioneered by Carla include;

• Co-produced and hosted ‘Culture & Main; York’s Cultural Showcase’ for White Rose Community TV from 2014 to 2019, highlighting more than 1,000 York area creatives
• Co-founded and served as president of EqualityFest Culture Festival from 2014 – 2019
• Hosted “It’s NOT the King’s English” multi-cultural poetry open mic at King’s Courtyard Artist Collective, “Soulful Saturdays” spoken word and DJ showcase at New Grounds Coffee House, and “Jawstruck” Poetry Slam at York Emporium between 2013 and 2020
• Founded PoemSugar Press which published more than 50 books by marginalized local authors over 5 years
• Wrote and performed countless commissioned poems and articles for local periodicals, festivals, and events
• Received the key to York City twice for community and youth education initiatives including teaching fellowships for YouthBuild, William Penn Senior High and Martin Library