First Lady Dawn Moore and the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) today announced the appointment of Lady Brion as Maryland’s 11th Poet Laureate in a ceremony at the Clifton House in Baltimore. The first lady was joined by Mayor Brandon Scott, Maryland State Arts Council Executive Director Steven Skerritt-Davis, and local members of the arts community.
“Lady Brion has a gift for relating lived experiences in truthful and powerful ways,” said First Lady Moore. “No doubt she will serve the State well and make best use of this position to continue the important work of truth-telling and inspiring Marylanders through poetry and the spoken word.”
Based in Baltimore City, Lady Brion is a spoken word artist, writer, cultural worker, and activist whose efforts focus on women’s empowerment and telling the story of the Black experience. The author of several written and recorded publications, Lady Brion is a mainstay in state, national, and international spoken word scenes. She has been awarded many first place honors, including being named champion at the 2016 National Poetry Slam. In 2023, she performed at the inaugurations of Governor Wes Moore and Comptroller Brooke Lierman.
“I am deeply humbled and honored to accept the appointment as Poet Laureate of Maryland, a role that allows me to pay homage to the extraordinary poet Lucille Clifton. It is my mission to build upon her legacy, using the power of words to spark dialogue while fostering greater creativity, empathy, and understanding across the state of Maryland,” said Lady Brion. “Special thanks to Governor and First Lady Moore, as well as the Maryland State Arts Council, for selecting me.”
As Poet Laureate, Lady Brion will serve in an honorary state position, providing public readings and programs for the citizens of Maryland. The position was established by the Maryland General Assembly in 1959.
“Lady Brion exemplifies what it means to be Poet Laureate,” said Maryland State Arts Council Executive Director Skerritt-Davis. “Her talent, dedication to her craft, and innate ability to engage people make her a natural fit for this prestigious role. Congratulations!”
For history of the Maryland Poet Laureate program and more information on Lady Brion’s role as Poet Laureate as well as booking information visit msac.org/programs/poet-laureate.
