In a move that reflects the rich cultural landscape of San Mateo County, Antonio De Jesús López has been named the county's new Poet Laureate, bringing his East Palo Alto roots to the forefront of the literary community. The Board of Supervisors cast their votes today, electing López as the fifth to take on this role to enhance local appreciation for poetry and spoken word. Raised in a vibrant bilingual environment, the local poet channels the influence of Spanish and Spanglish into his work, giving voice to the narratives of his community.
López's literary achievements are not to be taken lightly, with his collection "Gentefication" receiving accolades from Pulitzer Prize-winner Gregory Pardlo. Not merely a poet, López also boasts a history of political engagement, having served as a councilmember and mayor of East Palo Alto. His academic pursuits continue at Stanford University, where he is advancing his studies in Modern Thought and Literature. Supervisor Lisa Gauthier did not hide her admiration, stating, "I’m so proud that Antonio has been selected as our next San Mateo County Poet Laureate," her pride is rooted in shared local service as well as López's undeniable gift for writing, as reported by San Mateo County's official news.
The sentiment of appreciation for López's selection was echoed by Supervisor Noelia Corzo, who served on the recommending committee with Gauthier. Corzo was drawn to López’s unique blend of personal experiences and universal themes that resonate across the county. “Antonio is a gifted poet and community leader whose voice as Poet Laureate is one we need in this moment,” she told the San Mateo County official news. Their decision aligns with broader celebrations, marking April as National Poetry Month and California Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month, adding a touch of serendipity to López’s appointment.
