N.C. A&T Professor Named Greensboro’s Second Poet Laureate

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (March 11, 2026) — Greensboro has a new poetic voice at the heart of its literary scene.

James Daniels, assistant professor and coordinator of creative writing in the English Department at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, is serving as the city’s second Poet Laureate. His appointment, affirmed by Greensboro City Council, runs through December 2028.

The City of Greensboro established its official Poet Laureate program in 2024. The program is managed by Creative Greensboro, the city’s public arts agency, which supports local artists and organizations through programs, funding and initiatives that strengthen Greensboro’s creative community.

The Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for poetry and creative expression, leading initiatives that make literature more accessible to all.

Daniels brings to the role a strong commitment to community-centered creativity.

“This honorary designation of laureateship is about building bridges, and that has been my goal in all that I create,” he said. “I will continue building bridges between creatives, institutions, and other artistic mediums through the power of poetry.”

Daniels holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a B.S. in middle grades education from North Carolina State University. His poetry has been published in Greensboro Review, EcoTheo Review, Cherry Tree Literary, Stonecoast Review, Windhover and other journals. His latest chapbook has been published by Bull City Press.

Beyond his writing, Daniels cultivates creative spaces in Greensboro and across the state. He participates in local hip-hop cyphers, the city’s open mic circuit, and the Fire and Light Collective, which helps emerging artists transition to full-time creative careers. Through Sol Lxve Creative Studios LLC, Daniels provides media, organizational and craft services for writers and musicians to produce meaningful projects.

At North Carolina A&T, Daniels also assists with the Aggie Poet Laureate program, mentoring Aggie Poet Laureates through poetry reviews, attendance at poetry events on and off campus, and planning for the program’s next term, which begins in April 2026. Tyler Moore, a senior creative writing major, serves as current Aggie Poet Laureate.

“James brings the energy and insight of a working poet directly into the classroom,” said Kimberly Harper, Ph.D., English Department chair. “Students see him in action; not just writing, but engaging the community, building networks and demonstrating how poetry can inspire, connect, and strengthen the cultural life of Greensboro. His work as Poet Laureate will extend that impact even further.”

As Greensboro Poet Laureate, Daniels will continue to bring poetry into classrooms, studios and community spaces, demonstrating how words can inspire, connect and transform.

To learn more about the Greensboro Poet Laureate program, visit https://tinyurl.com/mpar9a35.