Mayor Eric Garcetti today announced Luis J. Rodriguez, best-known for his memoir “Always Running: La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A.,” as Poet Laureate of the City of Los Angeles.
“Luis Rodriguez is an example of how powerful an impact literature can have on young lives, and as Poet Laureate, he will impact youth across Los Angeles,” Mayor Garcetti said. “I have no doubt that Luis will run with this new role and take it to new heights.”
As Poet Laureate, Rodriguez will serve a two-year term as an official ambassador of L.A.’s vibrant creative scene, promoting the city’s rich literary community and celebrating the written word.
“I’m honored to be selected as the new Poet Laureate of Los Angeles—to expand on the new and imaginative journey Mayor Garcetti has embarked on to make this a livable, welcome, and artistically-alive city,” Luis says. “To me, poetry is deep soul-talk, a powerful means to enlarge one’s presence in the world.”
The Los Angeles Poet Laureate Program is a collaboration between the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) and the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) and is intended to enhance the presence and appreciation of poetry and the literary arts in Los Angeles and to reach out to Angelenos who have limited access to poetry or have few opportunities for exposure to expressive writing.
“Luis Rodriguez frequently shares that he is someone who was literally saved by words when telling his personal story, one that resonates with so many of LA’s citizens,” said Danielle Brazell, General Manager of DCA. “Many words later, his natural gift for poetry and connecting with people to help them is undeniable. As our next Poet Laureate, he will continue to teach and inspire us all, especially our students – as a mentor, arts activist, and literary ambassador for our great city.” (Full Story at LA Mayor)
