CHICAGO—Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot has announced the appointment of avery r. young as the city’s inaugural Poet Laureate.
The move marks the city’s commitment to promoting the literary and creative communities and to providing opportunities for artistic expression and engagement.
As Chicago Poet Laureate, young will work to promote poetry and its value to the community, encourage the development of new literary works and programming, and provide mentorship and support to emerging poets.
The announcement was made in partnership with the Chicago Public Library (CPL), the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), and the Poetry Foundation, all of which are dedicated to promoting literary and creative expression in the city. This historic appointment is a milestone for the literary community in Chicago and beyond.
To celebrate young’s appointment, their first public appearance as Chicago Poet Laureate took place at the Harold Washington Library Center on April 29, 2023, during the Chicago Public Library’s annual National Poetry Month celebration, Poetry Fest. Attendees had the opportunity to hear young’s work and gain insight into their vision for the role of poetry in the city.
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