Brenda Vaca (she/hers) is a published poet, the Founder of Riot of Roses Publishing House and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Brenda talks about her debut collection of poetry “Riot of Roses” and the origin of the title. They talk about how they had to fight for themselves in school, sharing the backstory of Brenda’s Aunt and her schizophrenia diagnosis, their religious ties and why it’s important to keep telling your stories.

If you or someone you know is in a mental or substance use disorder crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.