Poet Laureate Laura Joyce-Hubbard
Laura Joyce-Hubbard is the City of Highland Park's first Poet Laureate! An exceptional writer who brings significant literary talent, programmatic ambition, and unique experience to this new role, Hubbard was selected by a jury of experts deeply connected to Highland Park’s literary community. A 24-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force who subsequently served as a commercial pilot, Laura’s work frequently draws on her wartime service and resiliency journey, particularly her experiences as a woman veteran. Laura is also deeply committed to social justice and has proposed an ambitious program to elevate diverse voices and make poetry accessible to all levels of experience and interest.
Upcoming Program
April 30: Pulitzer Prize Winner, Former US Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey In Conversation with HP Poet Laureate Laura Joyce-Hubbard (5:30 - 6:30 PM, Trinity Episcopal Church - 425 Laurel)
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pulitzer-prize-winner-and-us-poet-laureate-natasha-trethewey-in-conversation-tickets-880294704157?aff=oddtdtcreator
The City of Highland Park Cultural Arts Advisory Group and Poet Laureate Laura Joyce-Hubbard present “Celebrating Poetry,” an exciting event on April 30, 5:30 - 6:30 PM at Trinity Episcopal Church (425 Laurel Ave.). The event will feature Natasha Trethewey, former two-term United States National Poet Laureate, in conversation with Laura Joyce-Hubbard, Highland Park Poet Laureate. A critically-acclaimed poet who made public engagement one of the cornerstones of her tenure as US Poet Laureate, Trethewey will discuss her poetry and the role creative writing plays in the modern world. This free event is open to the public and is a unique opportunity to hear from one of the most acclaimed poets in the country.
Favorite Poems of HP Luminaries:
Ready to share your favorite poems? Poet Laureate Laura Joyce-Hubbard will host a special community poetry reading on Wednesday, April 3, 6:00 - 7:00 PM at the Highland Park Public Library (494 Laurel Ave.) Community members are invited to bring a favorite poem to read to the audience. All ages are welcome to attend and to participate.
In addition to the poem text, participants should plan to share the following with the group:
- Name
- Title of the poem and author’s name
- Why this poem resonates with you
As part of the “Favorite Poems Project” national guidelines, the poem cannot be written by the reader or the reader’s family member or friend. For long poems, please plan to read no longer than 5 minutes.
Learn more about this event.
Meet Laura
Check out the video below to learn more about Laura’s plans for public engagement through the new Highland Park Favorite Poems Project.