A Ghanaian American poet, editor, and educator, will serve as Boston’s next poet laureate starting in July. Established in 2008, the Boston Poet Laureate program has been a cornerstone of Boston’s creative sector, drawing residents into the rich and transformative world of the literary arts. It is a ceremonial appointment with a term of four years.
“Their voice, vision, and deep commitment to community will inspire and amplify our city’s voices over the next four years,” said Mayor Wu. “In a time where we need to challenge, uplift, and connect, I’m proud to know that Emmanuel will carry out this role with care for our communities.”
Said Oppong-Yeboah: “In so much of life I feel a profound sense of indebtedness to those who have done the work before me. No less so here. Boston’s two most recent poet laureates, Porsha Olayiwola and Danielle Georges, have created so much space in this city for the flourishing of poetry and poets, and I am grateful to them and eager to expand on their work.”
Oppong-Yeboah grew up in Boston and is a school librarian at the Joseph Lee School in Dorchester. For six years, the educator taught 11th grade English at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, and prior to that served as a teaching artist for 10 years at organizations throughout Boston, including the Massachusetts Literary Education and Performance Collective, the Cambridge Arts Council, Northeastern University, and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston.
His poem, “kra-din” (Kweli Journal), is a recipient of the Pushcart Prize (XLIII). He will co-lead an open mic and poetry slam on May 2 with poet Crystal Valentine at Just Book-ish in Fields Corner.
