Salaam Green on the ‘Privilege’ of Becoming City of Birmingham’s First Poet Laureate

By Barnett Wright The Birmingham Times Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has announced that writer and educator Salaam Green as the city’s first poet laureate. The mayor made the announcement Thursday as he wrapped up an update on his administration’s accomplishments and next steps during the unveiling of his “Blueprint.” Woodfin said Green has “demonstrated a commitment to our arts community through the creation of her literary works, by hosting countless writer workshops as well as teaching our young people the power of the pen. What better person to lead the way.” Green will begin her two-year term in January and will receive an honorarium of $5,000 over the course of her term. “This is a duty, a privilege, and as a citizen it is calling to be the people’s poet in a city rich in its foundation of justice and its progression towards unity,” Green said. “As the inaugural Poet Laureate alongside the noble diverse, inclusive, and inter-generational people of the Magic City we shall emerge towards the inseparably entwined journey of belonging through the healing power of words together.” Green is an award-winning poet and author whose work has appeared in The Birmingham Times, Alabama Arts Journal, Scalawag, Bust,...