What's Happening?
Jaki Shelton Green, appointed as North Carolina's ninth poet laureate in 2018 by then-Governor Roy Cooper, has been a pivotal figure in promoting poetry among young people. As the first African American
and the third woman to hold this position, Green has dedicated her tenure to mentoring and cultivating young poets. She established North Carolina’s High School Poet Laureate Program, aiming to inspire and engage students, demonstrating the continued relevance of poetry in contemporary society. Green, a native of Efland, North Carolina, has an extensive teaching background, having taught poetry and creative writing at various educational institutions and community organizations nationwide. She recently retired from her role at Duke University’s Center for Documentary Studies, where she taught documentary poetry. Her literary contributions include several poetry collections and a bilingual English-Italian edition of her work 'i want to undie you'. In 2020, she released her first LP poetry album, 'The River Speaks of Thirst'.
Why It's Important?
Jaki Shelton Green's efforts in promoting poetry among young people are significant in a time when the arts are often overshadowed by other educational priorities. By creating the High School Poet Laureate Program, Green not only fosters a new generation of poets but also emphasizes the importance of creative expression as a tool for understanding and navigating a divided world. Her work highlights the role of poetry in cultural and personal development, offering young people a platform to voice their thoughts and emotions. This initiative can lead to a broader appreciation of the arts, potentially influencing educational policies to include more comprehensive arts programs. Green's legacy as a mentor and educator underscores the transformative power of poetry in society.
What's Next?
As Jaki Shelton Green continues to influence the poetry community, her programs and initiatives are likely to inspire similar efforts in other states, potentially leading to a national movement to integrate poetry more deeply into educational curricula. Stakeholders in education and the arts may look to her model as a way to engage students creatively and critically. The impact of her work could also encourage more diverse voices in poetry, reflecting a wider range of experiences and perspectives. As Green's programs gain recognition, there may be increased support and funding for arts education, benefiting students and communities across the country.
