2024-2026 HOWARD COUNTY POET LAUREATE ANNOUNCED
County Executive Calvin Ball has announced the appointment of Truth Thomas as Howard County’s first Poet Laureate! Thomas, whose poems have appeared in over 150 publications, including “The 100 Best African American Poems” (edited by Nikki Giovanni), will serve from April 2024 through March 2026. In this new role, Thomas will advocate for and contribute to Howard County’s poetic and literary legacy through public readings and participation in civic events. Congratulations Truth!
Also new this year, Howard County’s first Youth Poet Laureate will be announced in late summer 2024 and will serve through June 2025. The recipient will be an ambassador for literacy, arts, and youth expression and will receive an honorarium of $500. Applications are open through May 30 and available here.
The Howard County Poet Laureate and Howard County Youth Poet Laureate programs are a partnership with the Office of County Executive Calvin Ball, the Howard County Arts Council, and the Howard County Poetry & Literature Society. Click here for more information on both programs.
PHOTO CAPTION: Truth Thomas, Howard County Poet Laureate