Markell names Twin Poets as Delaware’s next poet laureate(s)

Nnamdi Chukwuocha and Albert Mills, known as the Twin Poets, will share the role of Delaware poet laureate.

From appearances on HBO’s Def Poetry and NPR’s Poetic License to national and international tours, Delaware’s Twin Poets have shared their gift for verse with thousands. Now Nnamdi Chukwuocha and Albert Mills are Delaware’s 17th Poets Laureate.

 

“We see the ills in our community, the things that are going wrong,” said Mills. “We feel that art truly is our way to help address some of these things.” Mills is a community based social worker focused on helping delinquent youth and those in the juvenile justice system.

Chukwuocha is a Wilmington city councilman and was recently awarded the Wilmington Urban League’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Award. “This appointment will allow us to continue to create an environment where it’s OK to express your emotions and your love, your care and concern for another person,” said Chukwuocha.

The State’s Poet Laureate program is run by the Delaware Division of the Arts which works to coordinate activities and appearances through the state. The Twin Poets plan to use poetry and the spoken word in schools, libraries, and community centers, as well as in youth and adult correctional facilities.

“Their artistic excellence, combined with extensive experience in outreach to underserved communities,” said Governor Jack, Markell, D-Delaware. “[Their] infectious love of poetry and spoken word will be a benefit for all Delawareans.”