Local Scholar Amanda Bennett Named Town of Carrboro's 9th Poet Laureate

The Town of Carrboro has selected Amanda Bennett to be its ninth poet laureate. Described as “a poet, cultural critic, and public humanities practitioner,” in a release, Bennett will be the first Black woman to serve as the town’s poet laureate.

Bennett is a scholar of Black feminism and is the author of “Working the Roots,” a collection of poetry published earlier this year. Currently, Bennett is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Grant Operations Management and Creative Engagement at UNC-Chapel Hill. She has also hosted community poetry workshops and open mics across the state.

“Bennett’s work is grounded in public humanities,” writes the Town of Carrboro, “bringing scholarly insight into everyday community spaces through poetry, deep listening, and collaborative cultural practice.”

Bennett was selected after local poets, including current Carrboro poet laureate Liza Wolff-Francis and former poets laureate, reviewed applications and conducted interviews with finalists. The recommendation to appoint Bennett was approved earlier this month.

Wolff-Francis’ term ends Dec. 31, after which time Bennett will serve a two-year term as the town’s poet laureate, during which time she will “engage in activities that enhance the presence of poetry in the social and civic life of Carrboro,” including outreach to local schools and weekly readings at town council meetings.

To learn more about Bennett, click here.

Featured image via Town of Carrboro

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Local Scholar Amanda Bennett Named Town of Carrboro’s 9th Poet Laureate

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