The city of Rock Hill has officially named Carlo Dawson as its new Poet Laureate on April 14. With a rich background in education and community arts, Dawson joins the office to continue fostering awareness and appreciation for poetry in the region, according to the City of Rockhill's recent announcement.
Having spent over 20 years in the field of education, Dawson presently holds the position of Dean of Student Leadership at Sullivan International Baccalaureate Middle School. In her career, Dawson has combined her roles as an educator and artist to engage with students and the community at large, utilizing storytelling and musical talents at venues that include Historic Brattonsville and local celebratory events. Drawing from this experience, she aims to expand the scope of poetry throughout Rock Hill.
The role of Poet Laureate in Rock Hill was conceived on October 22, 2018, with an aim to intertwine community outreach, civic engagement, and promotion of literacy with the city's commemorative efforts. Following in the footsteps of the former Poet Laureate Angelo Geter, who was appointed in November 2019, Dawson is charged with the task of building on these established foundations. Chad Simpson, the Rock Hill Poet Laureate Committee Chair, stated, "Angelo has set a very high bar in terms of what a Poet Laureate can accomplish, and we have full faith and confidence in Carlo to continue this important work," as detailed by the City of Rockhill's release.
Dawson's plans as Poet Laureate include implementing workshops for educators and organizing poetry events such as the National Poetry Out Loud competition to encourage local youth and adult poetic expression. "It has been a life-long dream of mine to be a Poet Laureate since the age of eight when I learned what a Poet Laureate was. It felt almost unobtainable due to only reading about National Poet Laureates," Dawson told the City of Rock Hill. "I don't take this role lightly. It still feels surreal, but I am so honored to carry the mantle of our previous Poet Laureate, to foster community through verse, and to provide a path for those who will follow."
A formal transition ceremony is planned during next month's One Word Poetry Festival, where Angelo Geter will pass the title to Carlo Dawson officially.
