Jessica Care Moore, courtesy of Jessica Care Moore
Acclaimed poet and Detroit’s first official Poet Laureate in over two decades, Jessica Care Moore, will deliver her inaugural address on April 1 to launch National Poetry Month. The event, hosted at the Detroit Public Library’s main branch, marks the beginning of a new tradition celebrating poetry’s impact on the city’s culture and resilience.
Titled “The G.O.A.T City: How Love, Resilience & 17 Syllables Can Amplify the Heart of Our City,” Moore’s address will explore themes of love and perseverance, emphasizing the power of haiku, a 17-syllable Japanese poetic form to encapsulate Detroit’s indomitable spirit. Through this poetic lens, she will highlight the role of art in shaping the city’s identity and inspiring future generations of writers and creatives.
Crystal Perkins, Director of the City of Detroit General Services, emphasized the power of using this form of art to represent and celebrate Detroit.
“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,” Perkins said.
A celebrated poet, playwright, and performance artist, Moore is the founder and CEO of Moore Black Press and the executive producer of Black WOMEN Rock!, a groundbreaking rock & roll concert series uplifting women of color in the genre. With performances at the Apollo Theater, Carnegie Hall, and London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts, Moore has solidified her place as a literary and cultural force. 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.
Detroit ACE Director Rochelle Riley highlighted that the entire city should celebrate that Detroit, which has long been a leader in the literary and performing arts, has such a powerful poet laureate as Jessica Care Moore.
“No one works harder to celebrate her hometown and the power of words than she,” Riley said.
Mayor Mike Duggan appointed Moore in April 2024. Moore, who travels extensively, expressed pride in her role and aims to ensure that children appreciate the century-long excellence of Detroit artists.
“I am honored and absolutely moved to be appointed Detroit Poet Laureate,” Moore said.
“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 – 6 p.m.
Detroit Public Library – Main Branch
5201 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
Admission: Free, registration required
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