Chicago City Wire

Chicago Poet Laureate avery r. young, in collaboration with the Chicago Public Library (CPL), the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), and the Poetry Foundation, has announced a series of free workshops and creative opportunities for residents. The initiative aims to celebrate poetry year-round and is central to young’s multidisciplinary practice as a poet, composer, and educator.

DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth commented on young's work: “avery’s work invites us to pause, consider our surroundings and our memories, and revel in the beauty of our city.” She added that the programming developed by young helps connect individuals to both meaningful private moments and significant events that have shaped Chicago.

“A Chicago that writes together is a Chicago that thrives together,” said avery r. young. “No one poem is the solution, but what that poem can be is a bridge to a greater understanding of someone else’s daily commute. The poem is a voice heard. I really am looking forward to helping voices be heard!”

Starting June 2nd, young will facilitate monthly "chi-soul workshops" at the Austin Branch Library (5615 W. Race Ave.). These two-hour sessions are designed for writers of all skill levels to create poems centered on Chicago's times and tales. Workshops will occur on the first Sunday of each month from 2-4 pm through November 3rd. Registration is required due to limited space; interested participants can register at chipublib.org/chi-soul.

Additionally, young has launched ChicagoSoulPoem.com where he invites online video submissions of original poems from residents. The project introduces a new poetic form called "soloem," consisting of ten lines in five stanzas, which celebrates people, places, or moments indicative of Chicago.

CPL Commissioner Chris Brown expressed enthusiasm about this initiative: “We’re thrilled that all Chicagoans will have the chance to become our city’s next great poet by participating in avery's workshops and writing ‘soloems.’”

young was named Chicago Poet Laureate in April 2023. His first year included performances at Mayor Brandon Johnson's inauguration and various city events such as Poetry Fest and Juneteenth Flag Raising. He also represented Chicago at external events like the New Orleans Book Festival.

The chi-soul workshops will run from June through November at Austin Branch Library with registration opening one week before each session.

The Poet Laureate program was announced in January 2023 as a partnership between CPL, DCASE, and the Poetry Foundation aiming to increase awareness of Chicago’s literary contributions while celebrating local artists' efforts.

avery r. young is an interdisciplinary artist known for his extensive work across various mediums including poetry editing for Bridge magazine and collaborations with institutions like Lyric Opera of Chicago.

For more information about these programs or how to participate in them visit chipublib.org/chi-soul or chicagosoulpoem.com.

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