Renowned Poet and Educator Mayda Alexandra del Valle to Serve as Next Chicago Poet Laureate
Chicago-born poet and performer with a national platform in literary and spoken-word arts will serve as the city's creative ambassador.
Chicago Poet Laureate Mayda del Valle with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Photo by Patrick L. Pyszka, City of Chicago.
CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson, in partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Chicago Public Library, and the Poetry Foundation, today announced Mayda Alexandra del Valle as Chicago’s second poet laureate.
A poet, performer, educator, and interdisciplinary artist born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Del Valle brings a multidisciplinary practice rooted in poetry, performance, music, movement, and cultural history.
As Chicago Poet Laureate, Del Valle will serve a two-year term and receive $70,000 to commission new works and create public programming, including initiatives for youth, students, and community members. The poet laureate serves as an ambassador for Chicago’s literary and creative communities.
“Chicago has always been a city shaped by bold voices and powerful storytelling,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Mayda Alexandra del Valle’s work reflects the heart, soul, and creativity of this city. Her appointment honors Chicago’s rich literary legacy while investing in a future where poetry continues to bring people together.”
Del Valle is the author of A South Side Girl’s Guide to Love and Sex and The University of Hip-Hop, winner of the 2016 Drinking Gourd Chapbook Poetry Prize from Northwestern University Press. She launched her career at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, where she became the 2001 Grand Slam Champion before also winning the National Poetry Slam within the same year, becoming the youngest poet and the first Latine person to do so. She has appeared on six episodes of HBO’s Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry, and was a contributing writer and original cast member of the Tony Award-winning Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on Broadway.
"Poetry has always been a way for me to explore and understand my multiple lineages and to imagine what’s possible. I’ve felt that from a young age,” said Del Valle. “I step into this role with gratitude and excitement, eager to connect with communities across Chicago and honor the voices and stories that shape this city.”
Del Valle’s first public appearance as Chicago Poet Laureate will take place on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 6 PM at the Chicago Cultural Center. The public and press are invited to attend, and brief interviews can be arranged following the event. To register for the event, visit Chicago.gov/PoetLaureate.
Del Valle’s work has been featured in The New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine, Urban Latino, Latina Magazine, Mass Appeal, and The Source. Smithsonian Magazine named her one of America’s Young Innovators in the Arts and Sciences, and O, The Oprah Magazine included her in its inaugural “O Power List,” which recognized women making an impact in business, politics, and the arts. She has performed across the United States and internationally, including a 2009 appearance at the White House by invitation of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
“Mayda is an artist whose work bridges poetry, performance, and community,” said Kenya Merritt, DCASE acting commissioner. “Her practice reflects the depth and diversity of Chicago’s literary landscape, particularly the voices and histories rooted on the South Side. As poet laureate, she will help expand access to poetry across neighborhoods, create meaningful opportunities for young people to engage with language, and ensure that poetry remains a living, accessible, and essential part of Chicago’s cultural life.”
“We are honored to welcome Mayda Alexandra del Valle as the next Chicago Poet Laureate and excited to collaborate with her on programming across our neighborhood library locations,” said Chris Brown, Chicago Public Library commissioner. “This program amplifies Chicago’s extraordinary literary talent while creating meaningful opportunities for residents to experience poetry in accessible and inspiring ways.”
Del Valle succeeds inaugural Chicago Poet Laureate avery r. young, whose two-year tenure broached inclusivity, community, and civic pride through various programming initiatives. His signature project, Chicago Soul Poem: A City That Writes Together, showcased at Millennium Park’s summer film and concert series this past season and premiered in full to a standing-room-only audience at the Poetry Foundation in December 2025. The collaborative project united established and emerging poets to honor the people, places, and stories that define Chicago, illuminating the city’s complexity and beauty through poetry and film.
The Chicago Poet Laureate program was established in 2023 through advocacy from the city’s creative and civic communities to elevate Chicago’s historic contributions to the literary arts and celebrate the impact of working artists. Del Valle’s appointment builds on the foundation established by the city’s inaugural poet laureate and reflects Chicago’s continued commitment to literary expression and civic engagement.
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city — to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.
Chicago Public Library
Since 1873, Chicago Public Library (CPL) has encouraged lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment, and knowledge through innovative services, programs, and technology. Through its 81 locations, the Library provides free access to a rich collection of materials, both physical and digital, and presents the highest quality author discussions, exhibits, and programs for children, teens, and adults. For more information, please call (312) 747-4300 or visit chipublib.org. To follow CPL on social media, visit us on Twitter (@chipublib), Facebook (Chicago Public Library), or Instagram (@chicagopubliclibrary).
Poetry Foundation
The Poetry Foundation transforms lives through the power of words. Our work aims to amplify poetry and celebrate poets by fostering spaces for all to create, experience, and share poetry. Follow the Poetry Foundation and Poetry magazine on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Media Contacts
Bria Purdiman, DCASE, Bria.Purdiman@cityofchicago.org
Shamil Clay, Chicago Public Library, sclay@chipublib.org
Elizabeth O’Connell-Thompson, Poetry Foundation, eoconnellthompson@poetryfoundation.org