The City of Lafayette poet laureate was appointed on Tuesday, April 19, to ZBassSpeaks, also known as Z, by Mayor Mangat and City Council. Z is a multilingual, twin-spirited Indigenous writer and performer.
As the City’s Poet Laureate, Z will serve for two years in this honorary position producing, sharing, and promoting poetry. The Lafayette Poet Laureate Program is funded by the Arts & Cultural Resources Department and this position is selected for appointment by the Cultural Arts Commissions. Z receives a stipend of $2,500 per term as the City’s poet laureate.
The selection committee was electrified by Z’s commanding presence, powerful use of language that speaks with urgency to issues of our time, and the passion they exude for the Lafayette community - its people, its history, and its future through the art of storytelling. Z also has strong ties to the community, and particularly Lafayette’s youth, through their work with the Empowerment Center of East County, Lafayette Public Library, Lafayette Youth Advisory Committee, and Sister Carmen Community Center, Z will connect a wholly inclusive Lafayette audience.
Z will present contemporary means of writing, performing, and disseminating poetry through readings, hosted events, educational workshops, multimedia projects, and inclusion-oriented outreach initiatives, all honoring the artistic excellence of our community. Watch Z’s appointment at the Council meeting and find more details about the program and Z at lafayetteco.gov/PoetLaureate.