News Summary
Detroit proudly announces Jessica Care Moore as its new Poet Laureate, the first in over twenty years. In celebration of National Poetry Month, Moore will deliver her inaugural address, focusing on love, resilience, and creativity’s role in shaping the city’s identity. With plans for engaging community programs, Moore aims to inspire future generations and foster a love for poetry throughout Detroit.
Detroit Celebrates Jessica Care Moore as New Poet Laureate
The vibrant city of Detroit is buzzing with excitement as it welcomes its first official Poet Laureate in over two decades, Jessica Care Moore! This talented poet has carved her name into the city’s history and is ready to make a lasting impact during her term.
Inaugural Address Kicking Off National Poetry Month
Mark your calendars for April 1, 2025! Jessica Care Moore will deliver her inaugural address at the Detroit Public Library’s main branch to celebrate the official start of National Poetry Month. This special event aims to set the stage for ongoing celebrations of poetry’s significant cultural influence on the Motor City.
Inspiring Themes and a Unique Message
Moore’s address is titled “The G.O.A.T City: How Love, Resilience & 17 Syllables Can Amplify the Heart of Our City.” Expect to hear powerful themes of love and perseverance threaded throughout her words, with a special emphasis on the haiku form, which captures emotions in just 17 syllables. Through her expressive art, she plans to shine a light on how creativity shapes Detroit’s identity while inspiring a new generation of writers and artists.
A Thriving Cultural Presence
As the founder and CEO of Moore Black Press and executive producer of the inspiring concert series Black WOMEN Rock!, Jessica Care Moore is no stranger to championing voices that deserve recognition. Her performances have graced legendary stages like the Apollo Theater and Carnegie Hall, making her a beacon of creativity and resilience. With an impressive array of poetry collections under her belt, including *We Want Our Bodies Back* and *The Alphabet Verses,* Moore’s artistic prowess is undeniable.
Community Focus and Future Plans
Moore’s appointment as Poet Laureate by the city’s mayor underscores her deep connection to Detroit. With plans in place for a robust two-year initiative, she aims to craft poems for special events and spearhead various poetry-centered programs. One ambitious project includes developing a poetry curriculum for the Detroit Public Schools Community District, ensuring that the love for poetry blossoms in classrooms across the city.
Bridging Generations with a “Detroit Love” Haiku Program
Jessica Care Moore envisions an exciting “Detroit Love” haiku program that intertwines visual arts and poetry. This initiative aims to be welcoming for all ages, encouraging community members—young and old—to come together and share their creativity. With plans for an international poetry festival during her second year, she’s poised to transform Detroit into a celebrated hub of poetic expression.
Personal Connections and Artistic Legacy
Reflecting on her journey, Jessica Care Moore carries the influence of her late father, Tom Moore, deeply in her heart. Recognizing the impact of mentors like Naomi Long Madgett, Moore is determined to honor their legacies while fostering a new love for art and poetry within the community. Her commitment to ensuring that children appreciate and embrace the rich heritage of Detroit artists speaks volumes about her dedication to uplifting future creators.
Upcoming Projects and Local Engagement
In addition to her responsibilities as Poet Laureate, Moore is busy working on exciting projects, including the feature film “He Looked Like a Postcard,” set to premiere at the American Black Film Festival in June 2025. With concerts and community poetry events in the works, she is dedicated to bringing the beauty of poetry directly to the neighborhoods of Detroit.
Support from the Community
The Ford Foundation is extending its support for Moore’s position as Poet Laureate, further enhancing the artistic landscape of Detroit. Anticipation is building as the city awaits the announcement of its first composer laureate this June, paving the way for collaborative artistic endeavors.
A Call to Express Through Poetry
Jessica Care Moore’s aim to create inclusive spaces for poetry is part of her broader goal to foster intergenerational storytelling and encourage young voices to emerge. With Detroit’s rich narrative waiting to be told, the future looks bright for poetry in the city. Get ready to fall in love with words all over again!
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Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press: Jessica Care Moore Appointed Poet Laureate
- Bridge Detroit: Jessica Care Moore Takes On New Role
- WXYZ: Black Women Rock Concert Anniversary
- The Oakland Press: We Are Scorpio Album Release
- Wikipedia: Jessica Care Moore
