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I've never seen her referred to as poet laureate of the US. I think the phrase that was used by Clinton was the black woman's poet laureate...which I would say
by ironchef 12y ago
I've never seen her referred to as poet laureate of the US. I think the phrase that was used by Clinton was the black woman's poet laureate...which I would say is quite appropriate (looking at the sourcing of the word laureate coming from the greek as a wreath of honor bestowed upon poets, military heroes, etc.).
- deleted 12y ago[deleted]
- deleted 12y ago[deleted]
- isa 12y agoAccording to the Library of Congress, on becoming a poet laureate: 1. How does one acquire the title of state poet laureate? State poets laureate can acquire their title unofficially or officially. Unofficially, a laureate may be so named through a literary club ceremony, widespread popularity or publicity, or through nicknaming. This allows many poets to claim laureate status, however. Official designation of state poet laureate is by governor's act or proclamation, by legislative action, or by both governor and legislature. --- http://www.loc.gov/rr/main/poets/faq.html http://www.loc.gov/rr/main/poets/faq.html Dr. Maya Angelou is a world renowned poet, human & civil rights champion, and American hero (amongst many of her other magnanimous attributes and works). It is safe to say, through general consensus, that we can call her a poet laureate as well. Regardless of titles, through her works, she belongs to all because she has impacted, inspired, and influenced many not of her gender or race. And she is San Francisco's own as well. Salute to a phenomenal woman who truly lived a full life. May we continue to keep learning from her, and continue to hit the high standard of grace she has set.
- yaddayadda 12y agoThe comment you are responding to has been deleted. Based solely on what you said, Maya Angelou was definitively never a "United States Poet Laureate" but the argument can be made that she was a "poet laureate". A United States Poet Laureate is an official, appointed, and titled position that is typically held for a length of time [1]. However, at Clinton's request she did compose and recite an inauguration poem, so in the general sense that she was officially appointed by a government official to compose a poem for a special event [2] the argument could be made that she was a "poet laureate". [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Poet_Laureate https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Poet_Laureate [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poet_Laureate https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poet_Laureate