Rashid Darden is an award-winning novelist, poet, and speaker whose work explores Black life, identity, spirituality, and the complexities of human relationships. The author of numerous works of fiction and poetry, including A Peculiar Legacy and The Testaments 1995–2025, he is also a Quaker minister and experienced nonprofit leader whose work brings literature, faith, and community into conversation.
Writing
His books include the contemporary fiction Lazarus, Covenant, Epiphany, Yours in the Bond, and A Peculiar Legacy; the urban fantasy novels Birth of a Dark Nation and Children of Fury; the anthology Time; and the poetry series The Testaments 1995-2025. His short story “Smith & Jones: Young Americans” was first published in 47 – 16 : Short Fiction and Poetry Inspired by David Bowie (Volume I). His short story “Cotton Dreams” first appeared in Queer Space Force from Neon Hemlock Press.
Rashid won First Prize in Literary Fiction at the North Street Book Prize in 2025 for A Peculiar Legacy, after previously earning Honorable Mention in Genre Fiction from the same competition in 2020 for Children of Fury. In 2017, his play Message from “The Legba” won the OutWrite DC and Theatre Prometheus One Page Play Competition and was staged in 2018. He also received the Elite 25 Award in Literature from Clik Magazine in 2006.
Fraternalism and Volunteerism
Rashid served as National President of Gamma Xi Phi, the fraternity for artists, for six years. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, and the Freemasons. Always a teacher, Rashid has led workshops on practical topics like bylaws and governance, membership recruitment and engagement, and intersectional awareness. Rashid’s efforts in the community have garnered him awards from Greek Tweak, the Thursday Network, and the Georgetown Black Student Alliance.
Professional
In the nonprofit sector, Rashid has managed organizations as an Executive Director and has headed development, outreach, and communications teams. His experience ranges from the creation of nonprofit organizations from the ground up, to developing their reputations, to the sad task of sunsetting charitable organizations that are no longer sustainable.
As an alternative school educator, Rashid has curated varied syllabi for use of educators and students, including the Nat Turner Syllabus, Moonlight Syllabus, David Bowie Syllabus, and the Harriet Tubman Micro-Syllabus. He has taught writing and language arts in traditional and innovative ways, from lectures to project-based learning. Rashid has used restorative practices to proven academic and social-emotional success of his students. Professionally connect with Rashid via LinkedIn.
Ministry
Rashid Darden is a member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and carries a ministry focused on healing, faithful decision-making, and the growth of Quaker communities. As a staff member of Friends General Conference and in his independent ministry, Rashid works with Friends who are wrestling with change, conflict, identity, and the future of our meetings. His work is grounded in worship, listening, and a deep love for the Religious Society of Friends. Learn more about Rashid’s ministry.
Philosophy
Rashid believes wholeheartedly in living an authentic, intersectional life at all times. He is an out, black gay man who has experienced chaos and order, wealth and poverty, urban bustle, and rural peace. He brings to his novels as well as his own life a sense of thoughtful disruption. Ultimately, he believes in the principles of everyday brotherhood—that is, the parts of ourselves which keep us connected to one another in meaningful ways.
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Rashid Darden is an award-winning novelist, poet, educator, nonprofit leader, and Quaker minister. His novel A Peculiar Legacy won First Prize in Literary Fiction at the 2025 North Street Book Prize. A native Washingtonian residing in North Carolina, his work explores the intersections of Black identity, sexuality, spirituality, and community.
Short Bio, Literary
Rashid Darden is an award-winning novelist, poet, educator, nonprofit leader, and Quaker minister whose writing explores the intersections of Black identity, sexuality, spirituality, and community. His novel A Peculiar Legacy won First Prize in Literary Fiction at the 2025 North Street Book Prize, while his speculative fiction novel Children of Fury received an Honorable Mention in Genre Fiction in 2020.
His literary works include the Potomac University trilogy, Yours in the Bond, Birth of a Dark Nation, and The Testaments: 1995–2025, an eight-volume collection of poetry spanning three decades of creative expression.
A native of Washington, DC, and a graduate of Georgetown University, Darden resides in North Carolina, where he continues to write, publish, and engage in community leadership.
Short Bio, Speaking & Leadership
Rashid Darden is an award-winning novelist, poet, educator, nonprofit executive, and Quaker minister whose work bridges spirituality, social justice, education, and community engagement. As Associate Secretary for Communications and Outreach at Friends General Conference, he provides strategic leadership in communications, public engagement, and initiatives that strengthen Quaker communities.
A graduate of Georgetown University, Darden brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, organizational development, and public speaking. He has served in national leadership roles within fraternal organizations and has addressed audiences on faith, identity, literature, and the transformative power of community.
A native of Washington, DC, now residing in North Carolina, Darden draws upon his experiences as a writer, minister, and community leader to inspire reflection, encourage meaningful dialogue, and advance inclusive, values-driven leadership.
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Last updated October 11, 2026.