By Chicago Times Magazine –
January 7, 2026
Mayor Brandon Johnson, in a joint declaration with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Chicago Public Library, and the Poetry Foundation, today presented Mayda Alexandra del Valle as the second Poet Laureate of the City of Chicago.
The appointment of Miss Del Valle, a daughter of the city’s South Side, marks a new chapter in the municipality’s dedication to the literary arts. An educator and interdisciplinary artist of high standing, she brings to the office a practice deeply rooted in the cultural history, movement, and music of our Great Lake metropolis.
As Poet Laureate, Miss Del Valle shall serve a term of two years. To support her mission of commissioning new works and fostering public programming—with a particular focus on the city’s youth—she is to be awarded a stipend of $70,000.
“Chicago has always been a city shaped by bold voices and powerful storytelling,” His Honor the Mayor remarked during the announcement. “Mayda Alexandra del Valle’s work reflects the heart, soul, and creativity of our city. Her appointment honors Chicago’s rich literary legacy while investing in a future where poetry continues to bring people together.”
The new Laureate is no stranger to the spotlight. A winner of the 2016 Drinking Gourd Chapbook Poetry Prize for her work The University of Hip-Hop, she first garnered national acclaim at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. In 2001, she achieved the distinction of being the youngest poet and the first Latine person to win the National Poetry Slam.
Her achievements have been noted by the nation’s highest offices; in 2009, she performed at the White House by invitation of President Barack Obama. Smithsonian Magazine has previously named her among “America’s Young Innovators,” and she was included in the inaugural “Power List” of O, The Oprah Magazine.
In accepting the post, Miss Del Valle spoke of her lifelong bond with the written word. “Poetry has always been a way for me to explore and understand my multiple lineages and to imagine what’s possible,” she stated. “I step into this role with gratitude and excitement, eager to connect with communities across Chicago.”
Kenya Merritt, Acting Commissioner for DCASE, praised the selection, noting that Miss Del Valle’s work “bridges poetry, performance, and community,” ensuring that the art form remains an “essential part of Chicago’s cultural life.”
Miss Del Valle succeeds the inaugural Laureate, Avery R. Young, whose signature project, Chicago Soul Poem, recently concluded to great acclaim at the Poetry Foundation.
The Poet Laureate program, established in 2023 following a spirited campaign by the city’s civic and creative leaders, continues to elevate Chicago’s historic contributions to the world of letters.
