Detroit's very own jessica Care moore has been recognized as part of a distinguished group of poet laureates across the country, chosen to receive a substantial fellowship from the Academy of American Poets. This $50,000 fellowship is designed to support moore’s community-based literacy projects in the city.
With this funding, moore and The LOVE Building are looking to establish a literary initiative across Detroit neighborhoods, as per an announcement from the City of Detroit. Their approach includes a blend of intergenerational workshops and the creation of an audio poetry chapbook that aims to bridge the gap between Detroit's diverse population. Additionally, moore is setting sights on collaborating with local muralists and students for public art displays. "I am honored to be chosen as a poet laureate fellow this year," moore relayed. "This grant enables me to c continue the work of expanding poetry in public spaces in Detroit & placing poems into the hands of the people - where poems belong."
Director of Detroit Arts, Culture, and Entrepreneurship Rochelle Riley expressed pride in having moore as the city's Poet Laureate, describing her as a global icon and a passionate advocate for the city's cultural scene. moore's engagement extends beyond her literary pursuits, as can be seen with her recent children's book "Your Crown Shines" and her laurels, which include a Kresge Arts Fellowship and an Alain Locke Award from the Detroit Institute of Arts. Mayor Mike Duggan also noted the importance of her role and the broader impact of her work within the community.
The Academy of American Poets is allocating over $1.1 million in fellowships to 23 Poets Laureate and also providing over $95,000 in matching grants to nonprofits working with the laureates. “The Academy of American Poets is jazzed to champion wide-ranging poetry projects produced by poets laureate in big cities and small towns alike,” Tess O’Dwyer, Board Chair of the Academy, said in a statement released by the City of Detroit. The program, supported by the Mellon Foundation, has established more than 40 laureate positions since 2019 and has been instrumental in enabling poets to reach millions with their art. To learn more about the other 2025 Poet Laureate Fellows and their initiatives, readers can head to poets.org for a deep dive into the various community projects these fellows are spearheading across the United States.
