Regie Gibson Sworn in as Massachusetts’ First Poet Laureate

News Summary

Regie Gibson has made history by being sworn in as Massachusetts’ inaugural Poet Laureate on May 30, 2025. The ceremony, attended by state officials, marks a commitment to promoting poetry across the Commonwealth. Selected from 123 applicants, Gibson, known for his community engagement and literary contributions, aims to make poetry more accessible through collaboration with schools and organizations. His appointment coincided with the annual Massachusetts Poetry Festival, further showcasing the significance of poetry in the state’s cultural identity.

Salem, Massachusetts – Regie Gibson has been officially sworn in as the first-ever Poet Laureate of Massachusetts on May 30, 2025. The ceremony, held at the Peabody Essex Museum, was attended by Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, who both played significant roles in the announcement and celebration of this momentous occasion.

Selected from a pool of 123 applicants, Gibson stands out for his commitment to promoting poetry and creative expression across the state. In his new role, he plans to collaborate with schools and community organizations to make poetry accessible to a broader audience. His appointment aligns with the goals of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which aims to enhance cultural engagement statewide.

Gibson’s swearing-in coincided with the annual Massachusetts Poetry Festival, which took place in Salem the following weekend. This year, the festival drew over 150 poets and featured more than 60 events, including readings, panel discussions, performances, workshops, and open mics. Notable participating poets included Diannely Antigua, Marilyn Chin, and Ross Gay, adding to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.

Regie Gibson, a resident of Lexington, has an extensive background in spoken word poetry, often tackling themes of social and historical importance. He serves as the co-artistic director at Arts for Social Cohesion and is also an assistant professor at the Berklee College of Music, where he teaches performance and spoken word poetry. His literary contributions include the book “Storms Beneath the Skin,” which reflects his passion for using poetry as a means of social commentary and artistic expression.

As a prior poet-in-residence with Mass Poetry, Gibson has shown a strong dedication to engaging with diverse communities through poetic initiatives. Following the announcement, both Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll praised his selection, highlighting his commitment to community engagement and fostering cultural heritage throughout Massachusetts.

Michael J. Bobbitt, executive director of the Mass Cultural Council, emphasized Gibson’s appointment as a groundbreaking milestone for the state, recognizing his exceptional talent and vision for the role. In his speech, Gibson reflected on the significance of poetry as a civic good and expressed his commitment to ensuring the continuation of the poet laureate role for future generations of poets.

Gibson’s appointment as Poet Laureate not only places him in a unique position to inspire and promote creative expression but also marks an important step toward recognizing the value of the arts within the Commonwealth. Through his efforts, the Massachusetts Cultural Council aims to nurture a vibrant poetic landscape that engages residents and encourages creative exploration across the state’s communities.

This new initiative ensures that poetry remains a relevant and influential part of Massachusetts’ cultural identity, fostering an environment where artists can thrive and communities can connect through the power of words.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Salem News
• Wikipedia: Poet Laureate
• Gloucester Times
• Boston Globe
• Patch
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Poetry
• Boston Globe – Derek Walcott Prize
• Google Search: Massachusetts Poet Laureate
• Canvas Rebel
• Google News: Regie Gibson