James Daniels Appointed Poet Laureate of Greensboro

Creative Greensboro Director Jackie Boone announced the appointment of James Daniels as the City's poet laureate Wednesday. Greensboro's City Council affirmed Daniels' selection at its February 3 meeting. A poet, educator, and artistic leader, Daniels brings a dynamic voice and deep commitment to community-centered creativity to the role. His appointment runs through December 2028.

Daniels holds an Master of Fine Arts in creative writing and serves as professor and coordinator of Creative Writing at North Carolina A&T State University. His work as a poet is widely recognized, with publications in Greensboro Review, EcoTheo Review, Cherry Tree Literary, Stonecoast Review, Windhover, and more. He is the author of the poetry chapbook "God-Damned Eden," published by Bull City Press.

"This honorary designation of laureateship is about building bridges, and that has been my goal in all that I create," Daniels said. "As poet laureate, I will continue building bridges - between creatives, institutions, and other artistic mediums - through the power of poetry."

With over a decade of experience teaching writing and hip-hop education across universities, schools, and community organizations, Daniels is also an advocate for arts-based community building. He leads Sol Lxve Creative Studios, a Southern creative studio supporting writers and music artists, and works with the Fire and Light Collective to help emerging artists transition into full-time creative careers.

About the Poet Laureate Program

The Poet Laureate Program is administered by Creative Greensboro and positions a local literary artist as an ambassador for poetry and creative expression. While the role offers flexibility to reflect each laureate's unique artistic vision, core responsibilities include: Leading a project that expands literary engagement within communities with limited access to the arts, performing at select civic and cultural events, and curating a public program in celebration of National Poetry Month.