April 23, 2025 |Arts, City of Lynn, Downtown Lynn Cultural District, News, Poet Laureate

Michelle “LaPoetica” Richardson Named as Lynn’s First Poet Laureate

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City of Lynn Takes Historic Step in Celebrating Literary Arts and Community Voices

The City of Lynn is proud to announce the appointment of Michelle “LaPoetica” Richardson as its first-ever Poet Laureate, marking a milestone in the city’s commitment to arts, culture, and civic storytelling. Approved by the Lynn City Council on April 22, Richardson will serve a two-year term, using the power of poetry to connect, uplift, and reflect the heart of the Lynn community.

Richardson is the proud daughter of Dominican immigrants and a longtime resident of Lynn. She proudly identifies as a “creative soul,” a community organizer, and a “love and unity advocate.” A fierce supporter of the arts, she is currently serving her second term on the Lynn Public Arts Commission and her second year as a board member of the Lynn Music Foundation.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Richardson brings a dynamic bi-lingual voice to the newly established role, which will include public readings, community engagement, and the creation of original works that reflect the city’s diverse experiences. She will receive a $2,500 stipend for her service supported by the Downtown Lynn Cultural District and Creative Collective MA.

“In a world where so many are yearning — to be seen, to be accepted, to be loved, to belong — being chosen as the First Poet Laureate of the City of Lynn, my city that  I love so much, fills me with all of that and so much more. I am deeply humbled, profoundly honored, and incredibly grateful. And now, more than ever, I am ready to pour love and light into this role and into every corner of this community.” said Richardson about her new appointment.

The Poet Laureate program is the result of a collaborative effort between the city, the Downtown Lynn Cultural District, and community leaders, including City Councilor-at-Large Nicole D. McClain, who introduced the idea in 2024.

“Michelle is the perfect choice to lead this initiative,” stated McClain. “She embodies the soul of Lynn and uses her artistry to speak truth, spark dialogue, and honor our shared history. The Poet Laureate program is not just about poetry; it’s about legacy, healing, building, and imagination.”

Richardson was selected through a competitive process that drew submissions from across the city and region. Her experience as a performer, mentor, and community advocate made her a standout candidate. 

“The spoken art that Michelle creates is raw, powerful, and deeply rooted in community,” added LaCrecia Thomson, Arts & Culture Planner for the City of Lynn. “She doesn’t just write poetry. She creates space for reflection, connection, and pride. I can’t wait to see how she shapes this role.”

With this appointment, Lynn becomes just the 18th municipality in Massachusetts to designate a poet laureate, further cementing the city’s reputation as a leader in the state’s cultural renaissance.

“Michelle’s talent and voice have long touched and resonated with our community, and we are thrilled to have her serve as our first poet laureate,” said Mayor Jared C. Nicholson. “Her appointment reflects the City’s dedication to keeping our arts and culture scene vibrant and underscoring its importance to the fabric of our City.”

To learn more about the Poet Laureate program and upcoming arts and culture initiatives in Lynn, please visit: https://visitlynnma.org.

Watch Michelle’s appointment at the April 22nd City Council Meeting

The above press release was submitted to us by the City of Lynn.