What is a poet laureate?
THE national youth poet laureate Amanda Gorman wowed audiences with her powerful inauguration poem 'The Hill We Climb'.
The 22 year old in one of the most talked about moments of and left some asking what is a poet laureate.
Read our for the very latest news and updates on Joe Biden and Donald Trump...
What is a poet laureate?
The poet laureate serves as America's official poet and is a where the title was first established in the 17th century.
Started in 1937, and formerly known as the Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress, the present title was devised and authorized by an Act of Congress in 1985.
The poet laureate's office is administered by the Center for the Book. For children's poets, the Poetry Foundation awards the young people's poet laureate.
On April 30, 2020, Joy Harjo was appointed to her second term as the U.S. poet laureate.
She is the nation’s 23rd poet laureate, the first from Oklahoma, and the first Native American to serve in this position.
is the first ever National Youth poet laureate, taking up the position in 2017.
What does a poet laureate do?
During their term, the laureate seeks to raise the national consciousness to a greater appreciation of the reading and writing of poetry.
They can do this by attending high-profile literary festivals and seminars, implementing programs with a national reach and embarking on lecture tours.
The idea of the poet laureate goes back to the Greeks, who gave crowns and wreathes of laurel to high achievers
The laureate, who is appointed annually, is also expected to present one major work and to appear at certain national ceremonies.
Most read in News
Is a poet laureate paid?
Currently, the laureate receives a $35,000 annual stipend.
This is endowed by a gift from Archer M. Huntington.
However, the real payment is the title itself as it is seen as such an honor in literary circles.