Greensboro, NC
Home MenuPoet Laureate Pilot Program
“Poetry is Life, from the words in your very 1st bday card to the lyrics to the songs you sing and the verse on the back of the money we spend, ‘In God we trust.’ Poetry is in all things…..”
- Josephus Thompson III, Greensboro Poet Laureate
About the Program
The purpose of the Greensboro Poet Laureate program is to use the art of poetry to inspire the next generation of thought leaders and creatives, and to heighten the awareness of the power of creative writing and the spoken word throughout the City. This position is appointed by City Council. This position is flexible in allowing the poet laureate to shape the position around their unique talents and skillsets, however each person is required to fulfill the following duties:
- Amplify the art of poetry, creative writing, and the spoken word to all Greensboro residents.
- Commit to promoting poetry that is inclusive and representative of multiple cultures and diverse perspectives.
- Commit to creating a cultural project that provides programming or experiences for Greensboro residents who had less exposure to literary arts, poetry, or creative writing opportunities.
- Attend and perform works at selected ceremonial civic engagements as appropriate.
- Produce five public readings or workshops per year.
- Create and participate in a poetry advocacy event during National Poetry Month.
- Provide a mentorship and community service component to your overall programming.
- Have the ability to fulfill a two-year term.
About Current Poet Laureate
Josephus Thompson III is a spoken word performance poet, activist, lecturer, teacher, and author. As Greensboro’s first Poet Laureate, he is excited to be the trailblazer for this esteemed position.
Thompson’s fascination with poetry began in the fourth grade after he placed fourth in a school competition. The reception of his piece inspired him to continue writing and since then he’s devoted his life’s work to mastering his craft and inspiring others to cultivate their creative talents. Thompson is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University and has spent more than a decade writing and performing throughout the City and the world including Australia, London, Seoul, and South Africa. His talents have landed him opportunities to perform for Oprah Winfrey and share stages with nationally renowned entertainers like Kanye West, Floetry, and the Last Poets.
Thompson is most passionate about advocating for literary arts programming in schools and providing opportunities for youth who have limited opportunities for creative self-expression. He is the author of a children’s book entitled “Poetry is Life” and currently teaches poetry programs in K-12 and college classrooms throughout the east coast.
Thompson is the founder of The Gate City Youth Slam Team in Greensboro and recently developed The Poetry Project Institute, a series of Professional Development workshops for teachers, providing them with resources and training on the use of spoken word in the classroom. With this program he works in both educational and corporate setting focusing on “Education through Correlation,” using poetry as a catalyst for literacy, leadership, and service.
As the host of The Poetry Café his voice is heard weekly over the airwaves across the state of North Carolina on the WUNC’s syndicated radio show as he showcases talented artists from all over the world in the genres of poetry, hip-hop, and R&B. The show also tours nationally and was featured on Amazon Prime. More information about Thompson and his work can be found on his website.
More about Josephus Thompson III and his projects
Projects with Creative Greensboro
Press