On Tuesday, February 13th, poetry enthusiasts and literary aficionados alike will gather at Lawrence Technological University (LTU) in Southfield for a special event featuring Michigan’s Poet Laureate, Nandi Comer. Hosted in the Marburger Auditorium within LTU’s Science Building, the event promises an afternoon of engaging discourse and celebration of the literary arts.
Nandi Comer, a Detroit native, brings a rich set of experiences and a deep-rooted passion for poetry to her role as Michigan’s Poet Laureate. In 2023, Comer made history by becoming the first person to hold the position of Michigan Poet Laureate since its reinstatement in 2021, following a budgetary allocation by the State Legislature.
As Michigan’s Poet Laureate, Comer has embarked on a mission to bring poetry to the forefront of communities across the state. Her engagements with students, educators, and residents in schools and libraries underscore her commitment to fostering an appreciation for poetry, spoken word, and literary arts. Comer’s extensive background as a writer-in-residence in Detroit Public Schools Community District and involvement with organizations like the Allied Media Projects Seeds Program and Detroit Lit highlight her dedication to amplifying marginalized voices and nurturing creativity within underserved communities.
Beyond her laureateship, Comer is an accomplished poet and essayist whose works have been featured in prestigious publications such as Callaloo, Crab Orchard Review, and Third Coast. Her collections, including “American Family: Syndrome” (Finishing Line Press) and “Tapping Out” (Northwestern University Press), have garnered critical acclaim, with the latter receiving the 2020 Society of Midland Authors Award and the 2020 Julie Suk Award.
The event at LTU serves as a collaborative effort between the university’s Office of the Provost, the Department of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Communication, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and the LTU Library. By hosting Comer’s presentation, LTU reaffirms its commitment to promoting cultural enrichment and intellectual discourse within its academic community.
Attendees can anticipate a thought-provoking discussion on the role of poetry in shaping identity and fostering community connections. Through her powerful verses and insightful reflections, Comer invites audiences to explore the transformative potential of poetry as a tool for social change and personal empowerment.
For poetry enthusiasts and advocates of the literary arts, the event offers a unique opportunity to engage with one of Michigan’s most distinguished poets and cultural ambassadors. Admission to the presentation is free and open to the public, ensuring accessibility for all who wish to participate in this celebration of poetry and community.
Join Nandi Comer, Michigan’s Poet Laureate, for an inspiring afternoon of poetry and conversation at Lawrence Technological University. Let us come together to embrace the beauty of language and the power of storytelling in uniting communities and fostering a shared sense of belonging.
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