Call for Proposals
The National Black Poet Laureate Society invites poets, poet laureates, scholars, educators, artists, community leaders, advocates, and cultural practitioners to submit proposals for presentations, workshops, and roundtable discussions at our inaugural gathering.
This year's theme, “Our Voices. Our Legacy. Our Future.”, calls us to reflect on the power of Black poetry, honor those who came before us, examine our work in the present, and envision the possibilities ahead.
We are seeking proposals that inspire, educate, challenge, connect, and create meaningful opportunities for collective action.
Proposal Categories
1. Our Voices: Poetry, Storytelling & Creative Expression
Exploring the power of Black poetic voices and the many ways we use language, storytelling, performance, and art to tell our stories.
Possible topics:
2. Our Legacy: History, Culture & Cultural Preservation
Honoring the poets, writers, movements, traditions, and communities that have shaped Black literary and cultural expression.
3. Poetry in Civic Life: Leadership, Advocacy & Public Service
Examining the unique role of the Poet Laureate as a cultural leader and public servant.
4. Poetry & Community: Education, Outreach & Engagement
Exploring how poets can bring poetry beyond traditional literary spaces and into schools, neighborhoods, libraries, organizations, and communities.
5. Our Future: Innovation, Sustainability & the Next Generation
Looking ahead and imagining what is possible for Black poets and Poet Laureates.
6. From Voice to Vision: Collaboration, Equity & Collective Impact
Exploring how Black poets and Poet Laureates can work collectively to strengthen one another and create greater impact.