Kimberlynne Darby-Newton was born in Montgomery, Alabama, and currently resides there. Her undergraduate degree in Literature is from the University of Alabama. She holds a degree in Southern Studies from the University of Mississippi, and is currently completing her doctoral degree in African American, and Women’s History at Ohio State University. For several years, she worked as a journalist at the Times Picayune in New Orleans, the Jackson Advocate, an African American newspaper in Jackson, Mississippi, and The Clarion Ledger also in Jackson. About 18 months ago, her world imploded. Suddenly, due to unexpected personal and professional issues, she became depressed and anxious. She isolated herself, and became more depressed and anxious. One day, she wrote a poem and soon discovered that poetry could save her life. Her writings draw heavily upon her experiences as an African American woman growing up in the Deep South. Being the favorite pet of an elderly Chihuahua named The Captain, Kim writes to give back some of what poetry gave to her. Newton currently teaches African American Humanities and World History at Alabama State University.