Sonia Sanchez is Philadelphia’s poet laureate

The city of Philadelphia has a poet laureate.

Sonia Sanchez has been appointed the city’s poet laureate by Mayor Michael Nutter after a search committee recommended her for the position. Sanchez, the first poet so honored by the city, says she wants to spread a message of peace–and she offers this holiday advice.

 

“For one week, do not twist and curl your tongue and say anything negative about anyone. One week, I’m just asking one week,” said the award-winning poet. “It’s hard to do people.”

Nutter explained why the city needs the position.

“I think for me, and for the city government, it is the formal recognition that art and culture are critical elements to what makes a city great,” he said.

Sanchez will receive a stipend of $2,500 a year from private donors to help carry out the duties of her post.