BLACK EXCELLENCE: ROSCOE BURNEMS NAMED RICHMOND’S FIRST POET LAUREATE

I love it when great people get their well-deserved flowers. It’s awesome to share with you that Roscoe Burnems has been named Richmond’s first-ever poet laureate.

Douglas Powell, better known on stage as Roscoe Burnems, is an award-winning poet, published author, spoken-word artist, comedian, and teacher. He is a community activist, mentor, father, and person who has dedicated his life to uplifting arts and culture in Richmond. He has hosted both The Writer’s Den monthly slam and co-hosted Tuesday Verses. He is a National Poetry Slam Champion, a former TEDx speaker.

Personally, I have worked with Roscoe several times over the years and I can say there is no one more deserving of this honor. Check out his appearance on The Cheats Movement Podcasts back in September of 2019.

Roscoe’s role as poet laureate will be to weave poetry into public visual art projects, hosting spoken-word competitions and showcases for youth, and partnering with the Richmond Public Library system to organize a series of accessible workshops.

The Richmond Poet Laureate will make his public debut at the Poe Museum’s Birthday Bash, a virtual celebration of Edgar Allan Poe’s 212th birthday. Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services Reggie Gordon and Burnems will discuss the role of the poet laureate, how Richmond shaped his poetry, and upcoming ways the laureate will engage with the community. Click here to learn more about the free festivities.

#WESEEIT