As part of its centennial commemoration, the National Park Service announces its designation of award-winning author, poet, and lecturer Dr. Sonia Sanchez as the poet laureate of the NPS Centennial.Sanchez will bring her powerful blend of art and activism to share the message that, in addition to breathtaking landscapes, the national park system includes places of cultural heritage and the struggle for social justice and civil rights—places of inspiration, dialogue, and healing.
Sanchez has said, “I write to keep in contact with our ancestors and to spread truth to people.” As poet laureate, her words about the national park system will reach new audiences that are familiar with her truth.Sanchez was the Laura Carnell Professor of English and Women’s Studies at Temple University, and is the recipient of both the Robert Frost Medal for distinguished lifetime service to American poetry and the Langston Hughes Poetry Award. One of the most important writers of the Black Arts Movement, Sanchez is the author of more than 20 books.