Earlier this year, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced jessica Care moore will serve as the city’s new Poet Laureate. Based in Detroit, moore is an award-winning poet, activist, and filmmaker. She succeeds the late Naomi Long Madgett, a revered figure in the city’s literary history.
In her role as Poet Laureate, she will be responsible for leading poetry events across Detroit, delivering an annual address at the Detroit Public Library, and participating in programs that reflect the city’s diversity. She will also compose a special poem for a year-end presentation.
Moore is the founder of Black WOMEN Rock! – Daughters of Betty, an organization that has long championed women’s empowerment through music. She also established The Moore Art House, a nonprofit focused on enhancing literacy through the arts, and Moore Black Press.
In 2023, Moore gained attention as the new voice of Pure Michigan, with her poem “I Am Detroit Summer” receiving acclaim for its celebration of the city’s working class spirit. Additionally, her 2022 poem, “We Wear The Working Day,” commissioned by Gucci, was displayed at the Siren Hotel in Detroit.
Host Stephen Henderson sits down with moore to talk about her appointment to the role of Detroit Poet Laureate and her responsibilities. She discusses how she came to love poetry and its impact on people. She also talks about the 20th anniversary of the Black Women Rock concert, which takes place on Aug. 31 at The Fillmore Detroit, and other creative projects including her feature film debut.
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