Williamsburg Appoints Its First Poet Laureate

News Summary

Williamsburg, Virginia has named Lacroy Nixon as its first-ever Poet Laureate, starting on July 1. This initiative aims to promote literary arts and engage the community through various poetry programs, especially targeting local youth. Nixon plans to launch a youth slam poetry program and collaborate with the Human Services Department to enhance access to literary arts. His work with the community extends beyond poetry, indicating a significant cultural shift in Williamsburg as it embraces creative expression.

Williamsburg, Virginia, has announced the appointment of Lacroy Nixon as its first-ever Poet Laureate. Nixon’s term is set to commence on July 1, marking the beginning of the city’s new fiscal year, and will last for two years. The Williamsburg City Council made this decision during its meeting on April 10, aiming to elevate the city’s literary arts and engage the community through poetry.

Nixon, who grew up in Williamsburg after being born in Charlotte, North Carolina, holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Liberty University. With eight years of experience in writing and performing spoken word poetry, he currently serves as the regional director of teen programming at the YMCA. His career reflects a dedication to encouraging creative expression and engagement among young people.

One of Nixon’s key initiatives as Poet Laureate will be the launch of a citywide youth slam poetry program. This program aims to engage local youth through the art of spoken word, culminating in a final competition that will showcase their talents. In addition, Nixon plans to collaborate with the City’s Human Services Department to promote youth programming, ensuring that literary arts are accessible to younger audiences.

Nixon is also the founder of Slam Connection, an organization that focuses on utilizing poetry as a method for community action. His work extends beyond poetry, as he has been involved in various artistic projects, including the Hope Booth Movement. This initiative aims to repurpose old telephone booths for spreading messages of hope through art and technology, with the project having debuted in London in 2021 and successfully toured 19 cities across the U.S. in 2022.

The establishment of the Poet Laureate position in Williamsburg is facilitated by the Williamsburg Public Art Commission (WPAC), which will oversee the program. This initiative aims to enhance community engagement through artistic expression, allowing poets and creatives to contribute to the local cultural landscape. By designating a Poet Laureate, the city joins a growing number of communities across the U.S. that are recognizing the importance of literature and the arts in fostering local identity and connectivity.

As part of his role, Nixon will also be involved in promoting events such as the Virginia Team Poetry Slam Championship, which will take place at the historic Kimball Theatre in Williamsburg, further solidifying the city’s commitment to literary arts.

The decision to appoint a Poet Laureate marks a significant moment in the history of Williamsburg, as for the first time in over 300 years, local poets and artists will have an official platform to express their creativity and voices. This move is anticipated to not only elevate the visibility of literary arts in the area but also to inspire community members, particularly young people, to engage with and participate in the arts.

In conclusion, Lacroy Nixon’s appointment as Poet Laureate is a welcomed development in Williamsburg’s cultural landscape, promising new opportunities for community engagement through poetry and the arts.

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Additional Resources

• WYD: City of Williamsburg Names Lacroy Nixon as Inaugural Poet Laureate
• Daily Press: Williamsburg’s First Poet Laureate Wants to Encourage Others Through Words
• Daily Press: Williamsburg to Host Biggest Slam Poetry Event in Virginia
• Curbed: Williamsburg, Brooklyn: New Bohemia
• New York Times: Williamsburg, Brooklyn History Timeline