News Summary
The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities has appointed Gina Ferrara as the new Poet Laureate of Louisiana, effective August 14, 2025. Ferrara, an accomplished poet and academic at Delgado Community College, will serve a two-year term representing the state’s rich cultural heritage through her poetry. Known for her works in various literary journals and her collection ‘Amiss,’ Ferrara aims to engage communities and promote the importance of poetic expression in Louisiana.
New Orleans
The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities has announced the appointment of Gina Ferrara as Louisiana’s new Poet Laureate, effective August 14, 2025. Ferrara’s term will last for two years, concluding in 2027, during which she will represent the state through her poetry and engage with various communities across Louisiana.
Gina Ferrara is an accomplished poet and academic, currently serving as an associate professor of English at Delgado Community College in New Orleans. Her literary contributions include five published poetry collections, with her most recent work, titled “Amiss,” released by Dos Madres Press in 2023. In addition to her books, Ferrara’s poetry has been featured in several esteemed literary journals, such as Callaloo, The Poetry Ireland Review, Tar River, and The Southern Review.
In recognition of her talent, Ferrara’s poetry garnered nominations for a Best of the Net award and a Pushcart Award in 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of New Orleans, further solidifying her credentials as a leading voice in contemporary poetry.
Her selection as Poet Laureate came after a nomination by Mark C. Tullis, an administrator for LCI Workers’ Comp. The selection process emphasizes the importance of literary merit and aligns with guidelines that require nominees to have published works in books, anthologies, literary journals, or magazines. Additionally, the committee considers nominees’ potential to reflect the rich tapestry of cultural diversity and heritage within Louisiana.
First Lady Sharon Landry shared that Ferrara’s writing captures the inherent spirit of Louisiana’s communities, weaving together the state’s stories and culture. This sentiment underscores the significance of the Poet Laureate role in promoting literary art that resonates with the populace.
Previous Louisiana Poets Laureate have included notable figures such as Alison Pelegrin, Mona Lisa Saloy, and John Warner Smith. These poets have played crucial roles in highlighting the unique voices and heritage of Louisiana through their literary work. Ferrara’s appointment continues this tradition, as she is expected to inspire and engage citizens in both the arts and in conversations about the state’s complex cultural identity.
The role of the Poet Laureate is not only a honor but also a platform for advocating the importance of poetry as an art form. As part of her responsibilities, Ferrara will likely organize poetry readings, workshops, and community outreach initiatives aimed at fostering a love for poetry among diverse populations across Louisiana.
Gina Ferrara’s appointment as Poet Laureate represents a commitment to celebrating the literary arts in Louisiana and promoting the voices that define its vibrant communities. With her extensive background in poetry and academia, Ferrara is poised to make a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of the state during her term.
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Additional Resources
- KLFY: Gina Ferrara Named New Louisiana Poet Laureate
- Wikipedia: Poet Laureate
- WGNO: New Louisiana Poet Laureate Announced
- Google Search: Poet Laureate Louisiana
- Independent: Connecting with the Poetry Buffet in New Orleans
- Google Scholar: Poetry in Louisiana
- Hot Springs: Poet Laureate of Kansas Featured
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Louisiana Poet Laureate
- Bitter Southerner: Earl King, Poet Laureate of New Orleans
- Google News: Louisiana Poetry
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