Green is Piedmont's _¶ rst poet laureate

Even before her appointment as Piedmont Laureate Jaki Shelton Green used poetry to reach out to the community" especially those who don't typically use poetry as a means of expression.

""Pen and paper are your shovel" this is where you get to dig and write out your fears and who you are" said Green, of Mebane, who was selected earlier this month as the area's first poet laureate.

Writing has been the archeological tool that has helped me find a lot of treasure and bury things.""

As laureate" Green will be asked to hold writing workshops present readings at public functions and propose other activities involving literary arts. She will serve for one year and receive a $5000 honorarium.

The Piedmont Laureate program aims to promote awareness and appreciation of literary arts in the Piedmont region.

It was created by a partnership between the City of Raleigh Arts Commission Durham Arts Council Orange County Arts Commission  and the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County.

Green's selection as poet laureate was based on criteria that included writing ability and comfort with public appearances said June Guralnick executive director of the City of Raleigh Arts Commission.

She said that while the committee had a difficult time selecting just one laureate out of many qualified poets" Green jumped out.

""Anyone who's ever met Jaki is going to be impressed by her" Guralnick said. When you meet her for five minutes" you know there's someone unique in front of you.""

Green has taught poetry in places like Durham's Dove House"" a recovery program for women trying to overcome substance abuse issues.

""Her poetry champions the underdog"" said Alice Osborn, who competed with Green for the position.

Green received the N.C. Award for Literature in 2003, the Sam Ragan Award in 2007 and has published several literary works.

Green said she views poetry not just as an art form but as a tool.

I have always been a writer-as-activist" she said.

I've continued to work with nontraditional writers: the incarcerated the newly literate people in homeless shelters. I've seen the ‘ah hah' moment" I've seen the flash in their eye when they write their own recovery.""

Green said she hopes to use her position as Piedmont Laureate to create a broader network of local poets.

""There is a tremendous network for poets" and it puts poetry in a whole new perspective. I don't see this as a seat I own solo. It's really a roundtable" Green said, adding that she wants to use her position to interact with community-based organizations and schools to bring many different voices together.

One of her tentative plans is to create neighborhood poetry forums.

Despite her new position and responsibilities, Green said she doesn't feel as though she has taken on a new burden.

It's not a job"" it's a celebration.""



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