Greensboro Names James Daniels as New Poet Laureate

Daniels, a professor at NC A&T, will serve in the role through 2028.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 2:55pm

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Greensboro officials have appointed James Daniels, a poet, educator and artistic leader, as the city's new poet laureate. Daniels, who holds an MFA in creative writing and serves as a professor and coordinator of creative writing at North Carolina A&T State University, will hold the role through December 2028.

Why it matters

The poet laureate position is an honorary designation aimed at building bridges between the creative community, institutions, and different artistic mediums through the power of poetry. Daniels is known for his community-centered approach to creative work and advocacy for arts-based community building.

The details

Daniels' work has been published in various literary journals, and he is the author of the poetry chapbook 'God-Damned Eden.' He has over a decade of experience teaching writing and hip-hop education at universities, schools, and community organizations. Daniels also leads Sol Lxve Creative Studios, which supports writers and music artists, and works with the Fire and Light Collective to help emerging artists transition into full-time creative careers.

  • Daniels was appointed as Greensboro's poet laureate on February 3, 2026.
  • Daniels will serve in the role through December 2028.

The players

James Daniels

A poet, educator, and artistic leader known for his community-centered approach to creative work. He holds an MFA in creative writing and serves as a professor and coordinator of creative writing at North Carolina A&T State University.

Jackie Boone

The director of Creative Greensboro, who announced Daniels' appointment as the city's new poet laureate.

Greensboro City Council

The city council that affirmed Daniels' selection as the new poet laureate at its February 3, 2026 meeting.

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What they’re saying

“This honorary designation of laureateship is about building bridges, and that has been my goal in all that I create. As poet laureate, I will continue building bridges — between creatives, institutions and other artistic mediums — through the power of poetry.”

— James Daniels, Poet Laureate of Greensboro (wfmynews2.com)

The takeaway

Daniels' appointment as Greensboro's poet laureate highlights the city's commitment to supporting the arts and fostering community engagement through creative expression. His background as a poet, educator, and arts advocate makes him well-suited to use the platform to build bridges and amplify diverse voices in the local creative community.