ANNAPOLIS, MD – First Lady Dawn Moore and the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) today announced the appointment of Lady Brion as Maryland’s 11th Poet Laureate. The first lady was joined by Maryland State Arts Council Executive Director Steven Skerritt-Davis and local members of the arts community in a ceremony at The Clifton House in Baltimore.
“Lady Brion uses her voice to speak up for those who have gone overlooked and been left behind for too long. 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,” said First Lady Moore. “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.”
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. In 2023, she performed before the inauguration ceremony of Governor Wes Moore and during the inauguration ceremony for 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.”
Appointed by Governor Wes Moore, Lady Brion will serve as Poet Laureate providing public readings and programs for the citizens of Maryland. The honorary state 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.”
For history of the Maryland Poet Laureate program and more details on Lady Brion’s role and booking information as Poet Laureate, visit msac.org/programs/poet-laureate.