Governor Ralph Northam appointed Luisa A. Igloria as the 20th Poet Laureate of Virginia, with a two year term from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2022.
From an email from the Governor’s office: “Governor Northam is focused on building a Commonwealth that works better for all people, no matter who they are or where they live. During your term, you will assist the Governor in solving real problems real people face...”
With Rita Dove who was the first African American Poet Laureate of VA and of the United States, Sofia Starnes (who is of Spanish and Filipino ancestry), Tim Seibles, and Luisa A. Igloria, now there are four poets of color who have been appointed to this distinguished position.
The honorary position of Virginia Poet Laureate was established in 1936; beginning in 1998, the Governor appointed a poet laureate from a list of nominees presented by the Poetry Society of Virginia. The Poet Laureate should “encourage the exchange of arts information and perspectives" and serve as the premiere ambassador of poetry for the state.
