Detroit Poet Laureate Jessica Care moore to deliver first Annual Poet Laureate Address to kick off National Poetry Month

Detroit Poet Laureate Jessica Care moore will deliver her first annual address in the role on April 1 to kick off National Poetry Month. Her talk, titled “The G.O.A.T City: How Love, Resilience & 17 Syllables Can Amplify the Heart of Our City,” will explore themes of love and resilience and emphasize the power of haiku—a traditional Japanese poetic form consisting of 17 syllables—to capture the essence of Detroit’s spirit. She will reflect on how these concise poems can amplify the heart of the city and celebrate its rich cultural heritage and indomitable spirit.

The event will take place on April 1, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Detroit Public Library’s main library.

“Using this form of art to represent and celebrate our great city is powerful,” said Crystal Perkins, Director of City of Detroit General Services. “It shows that Detroit’s art scene goes beyond music and murals while also giving our youth a glimpse of where their love for literature can take them.”

The internationally renowned poet, playwright, performance artist and producer is the founder and CEO of Moore Black Press and the executive producer of Black WOMEN Rock!, a 20-year-old rock & roll concert showcasing women of color in the rock genre. Moore has appeared on stages worldwide, including the Apollo Theater, Carnegie Hall and the London Institute of Contemporary Arts. Her poetry collections include: “We Want Our Bodies Back” (HarperCollins, 2020), “The Alphabet; Verses; The Ghetto” and “The Words Don’t Fit in My Mouth.” 

"The entire city should celebrate that Detroit, which has long been a leader in the literary and performing arts, has as powerful a poet laureate as Jessica Care moore,” said Detroit ACE Director Rochelle Riley. “No one works harder to celebrate her hometown and the power of words than she."

Mayor Mike Duggan appointed Moore in April 2024. Moore, who travels extensively, said she was proud to be in the role and to make sure that children know the century-long excellence of Detroit artists.

“I am honored and absolutely moved to be appointed Detroit Poet Laureate,” moore said when she was appointed. "Previous Detroit Poet Laureate Naomi Long Madgett was a mentor and friend. I am standing on her shoulders and will do my best to honor her legacy and bring poetry to the center of our communities.”

Event Details:

• April 1, 2025 at 6 p.m.
• Detroit Public Library: 5201 Woodward Ave, Detroit
• Admission: Free but registration required at: eventbrite.com/e/1291274349339?aff=oddtdtcreator

About Detroit ACE

Detroit ACE partners with organizations across the region to enhance and grow investment in the fine and performing arts, culture and history with a special focus on artistic entrepreneurship and support for Detroit’s creative workforce. Follow ACE at @detroitcityarts on Instagram and @detroitcityarts on Facebook. For updates on Twitter, follow Director of Arts and Culture Rochelle Riley @rochelleriley. See five years’ worth of ACE work @heyzine.com/flip-book/ae8130edcc.html.