On behalf of the RAD board and staff, sincere congratulations to Celeste Gainey, Vincent Folkes, Maryjean (Mj) Shahen, and Paloma Sierra as City of Asylum’s inaugural Poet Laureates. We are proud to support this program with a RADical ImPAct grant, which celebrates RAD’s 25-year history and shines light on the people and projects that will inspire our region for the next 25 years. We are delighted to have our own Poet Laureates right here in Allegheny County to engage our imaginations and our empathy, and to inspire us with their words. Now more than ever, we value the vital connection to community that the arts provide. Thank you for your work and we look forward to seeing and hearing more throughout the year.
-RAD Board Chair Dusty Elias Kirk
Meet the past Poets Laureate of Allegheny County!
Celeste Gainey
City of Asylum Poet Laureate of Allegheny County2020-2022
Danielle Obisie-Orlu
Youth Poet Laureate of Allegheny County 2021-2022
Maryjean (Mj) Shahen
American Sign Language Poet Laureate of Allegheny County, 2020-2021
Paloma Sierra
Emerging Poet Laureate of Allegheny County, 2020-2021
Meet the past Youth Poet Ambassadors of Allegheny County!
Sarah Voigt
Youth Poet Ambassador of Allegheny County, 2024-25
Monroe Law
Youth Poet Ambassador of Allegheny County, 2024-25
Linda Kong
Youth Poet Ambassador of Allegheny County, 2024-25
Vanshika Jain
Youth Poet Ambassador of Allegheny County, 2024-25
Oluwatobiloba Olaore
City of Asylum Youth Poet Laureate of Allegheny County 2024-25
Emily Tea
Youth Poet Ambassador of Allegheny County, 2022-2023
Aja Lynn
Youth Poet Ambassador of Allegheny County, 2021-22 and 2022-23
Jade Davis
Youth Poet Ambassador of Allegheny County, 2022-2023
Audrey Alling
Youth Poet Ambassador of Allegheny County, 2022-2023
Grey Weatherford-Brown
Youth Poet Ambassador of Allegheny County, 2020-2021
