Lady Brion, MFA '19, Named Maryland Poet Laureate
September 17, 2024
Contact: Office of Advancement and External Relations
Phone: 410.837.5739
Lady Brion, MFA '19, a Baltimore-based writer, activist and spoken-word artist, has been named Maryland's 11th Poet Laureate. Brion, who performs and teaches both in the United States and abroad, received the honor from Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore and the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) in a ceremony on Sept. 16 at The Clifton House in Baltimore. According to MSAC, Brion, 34, is the youngest person to be presented with the title. The appointment, by Gov. Wes Moore, allows Lady Brion to provide public readings and programs for the citizens of Maryland. The honorary state position was established by the Maryland General Assembly in 1959. The governor may renew the role for Brion for up to four years.
"Lady Brion uses her voice to speak up for those who have gone overlooked and been left behind for too long," said First Lady Moore. "She is an ambassador for those who need hope, an advocate for those who need a fighter—and she will be a champion for all Marylanders, no matter their background, zip code, or personal story. As First Lady, I am committed to working within the Moore-Miller administration to ensure that the arts are not just celebrated but are elevated in this state."
"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," Lady Brion said. "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."
In a note to Lady Brion, University of Baltimore President Kurt L. Schmoke said, "I write on behalf of the University of Baltimore community to congratulate you on being named Poet Laureate of Maryland. This is a well-deserved honor. We just wanted to let you know how proud we are of you, and we wish you continued success in all your artistic endeavors."
"Lady Brion exemplifies what it means to be Poet Laureate," said Maryland State Arts Council Executive Director Steven Skerritt-Davis. "Her talent, dedication to her craft, and innate ability to engage people make her a natural fit for this prestigious role."
Lady Brion has received top honors at a number of slam poetry events, both locally and nationally, and has served in several fellowships and artistic residencies. Learn more about Lady Brion.
Learn more about The University of Baltimore's MFA in Creative Writing & Publishing Arts.