Chicago Names Mayda Alexandra del Valle as New Poet Laureate

BREAKING: Chicago has officially named renowned poet and educator Mayda Alexandra del Valle as the city’s new Poet Laureate, a role she will begin on January 14, 2024. The announcement was made today by the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, marking a significant moment for Chicago’s literary community.

Del Valle, a celebrated interdisciplinary artist hailing from the South Side of Chicago, will serve a two-year term, receiving a generous stipend of $70,000 to commission new works. As Poet Laureate, she will act as an ambassador for Chicago’s vibrant literary scene, spearheading initiatives aimed at engaging youth, students, and community members throughout the city.

This appointment comes as Chicago continues to enhance its cultural landscape, and Del Valle is set to make her first official appearance at the Chicago Cultural Center on January 14. Attendees can look forward to a free event featuring live performances and insightful discussions, showcasing her vision for the role.

Del Valle’s impressive background includes acclaimed works such as “A South Side Girl’s Guide to Love and Sex” and “The University of Hip-Hop.” She gained national recognition when she became the Grand Slam Champion at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in New York in 2001. Her artistic contributions have also been highlighted on HBO’s “Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry,” where she appeared in six episodes, and as a writer and cast member of the Tony-Award winning “Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam” on Broadway.

She succeeds avery r. Young, the inaugural Chicago Poet Laureate, who left a lasting impact with his project “Chicago Soul Poem: A City That Writes Together,” featured during Millennium Park’s summer events. Chicago is among just 16 cities in the United States to officially designate a Poet Laureate, a testament to its commitment to fostering literary arts, according to a 2018 survey by the Academy of American Poets.

As Del Valle prepares to embrace her new responsibilities, her leadership is expected to inspire a new generation of poets and writers, reinforcing Chicago’s position as a hub of creativity and cultural expression. Stay tuned for further updates as she embarks on this exciting journey.