An Evening of Appreciation: Honoring North Carolina’s Poet Laureate, Jaki Shelton Green
By Robbie Perdue
On the evening of March 13, 2025, the halls of the North Carolina Museum of Art were filled with the rhythmic beauty of words and the profound echoes of a literary legacy. The occasion? An Evening of Appreciation for North Carolina’s Poet Laureate, Jaki Shelton Green—a night dedicated to honoring her contributions to poetry, the arts, and the generations of voices she has inspired.
The event brought together a distinguished lineup of speakers, each offering their reflections on Jaki’s influence and the transformative power of poetry. Jeff Bell, Executive Director of the North Carolina Arts Council, opened the evening with remarks that set the tone for the celebration, highlighting Jaki’s impact on the literary landscape and her tireless advocacy for poetry as a vehicle for social change.
Liza Wolff-Francis, the current Carrboro Poet Laureate, and Dasan Ahanu, 2023 Piedmont Poet Laureate, spoke eloquently of Jaki’s enduring contributions, with one reading one of Jaki’s powerful poems, and the other sharing an original piece written in tribute.
But perhaps the most poignant moments of the night came from the voices of the youth—young poets who have been profoundly shaped by Jaki Shelton Green’s influence and mentorship.
- Autumn Maivia, the current Orange County Youth Poet Laureate, recited one of her poems after speaking about how Jaki’s work paved the way for young poets like herself.
- Grayson Perdue and Justin Wellons, both former East Columbus High School Poet Laureates, reflected on Jaki’s impact on their own creative journeys, before sharing selections of their poetry with the audience.
These young poets are a direct testament to Jaki’s lasting influence, particularly through North Carolina’s Youth Poet Laureate program—the first of its kind in the nation, which she founded to uplift and amplify emerging voices.
As the evening came to a close, Jaki herself took the stage, her presence as commanding as the poetry she has gifted to the world. She spoke with wisdom and warmth, sharing reflections on her journey and the ever-growing community of poets she has nurtured. One statement, in particular, resonated deeply:
“One day, I may sit down… but for now, I am still here.”
And indeed, she is. A living legend, a guiding force, and a poet whose words continue to shape the soul of North Carolina.
Robbie Perdue
is a native North Carolinian who enjoys cooking, butchery, and is passionate about all things BBQ. He straddles two worlds as an IT professional and a farmer who loves heritage livestock and heirloom vegetables. His perfect day would be hunting deer, dove, or ducks then babysitting his smoker while watching the sunset over the blackwater of Lake Waccamaw.
