For Immediate Release
Wilmington, DE (March 21, 2017) – Identical twins Al Mills and Nnamdi Chukwuocha are social workers, award-winning spoken word poets, and community activists. They were appointed as the Delaware Poets Laureate by former Governor Jack Markell in December 2015. The appointment marks the first time in the history of the position that it will have co-laureates, and the first time in history of the U.S. state poets laureate that such a position will be shared by siblings.

The new video “Art for Life” features the Poets’ most recent work to introduce poetry and the spoken word to a wider audience including veterans and incarcerated young adults. Chukwuocha says, “’Art for Life’… [is] about that commitment to making a difference. To showing our children that (their) lives can be better.”

April is National Poetry Month and the Delaware Poets Laureate have numerous events during this time. Below is a select* list of upcoming events that are open to the public. To learn more or to schedule a visit with the Delaware Poets Laureate, please visit: http://artsdel.org/poetlaureate/

Delaware Poets Laureate
Upcoming April Events and Programs

WHAT: Poetry Month Rhythm, Rhyme Story Time
WHERE: Bear Library, 101 Governors Place, Bear, DE 19701
WHEN: Tuesday, April 4, 2017 from 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
MORE INFO: Free

WHAT: Workshop and Reading with the Twin Poets
WHERE: Woodlawn Library, 2020 West 9th Street, Wilmington, DE 19805
WHEN: Wednesday, April 5, 2017 from 7 – 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Free

WHAT: Inspiration Storytelling and Spoken Word Festival
WHERE: The Art Studio, Absalom Jones Community Center, 320 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804
WHEN: Saturday, April 8, 2017 from 11 – 11:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: Free

WHAT: Listen Up! Spoken Word Celebration
WHERE: The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover, DE 19901
WHEN: Saturday, April 8, 2017 from 1 – 3 p.m.
MORE INFO: Free, sponsored by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs and the Delaware Division of the Arts

WHAT: Outbound Poetry Festival Pop Up Reading
WHERE: 30th Street Station, 30th & Market Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19104
WHEN: Monday, April 10, 2017; the Poets will read at 4:52 p.m.
MORE INFO: Free

Cancelled due to family emergency.

WHAT: An Evening with the Twin Poets
WHERE: Brandywine Hundred Library, 1300 Foulk Road, Wilmington, DE 19803
WHEN: Wednesday, April 12, 2017 from 6:30 – 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Free

WHAT: A Visit with the Twin Poets
WHERE: Kent County Library, 497 S Red Haven Lane, Dover, DE 19901
WHEN: Saturday, April 22, 2017 from 2 – 3 p.m.
MORE INFO: Free

WHAT: An Evening of Poetry
WHERE: Corbit-Calloway Memorial Library, 115 High Street, Odessa, DE, 19730
WHEN: Monday, April 24, 2017 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Free

WHAT: National Poetry Month Preschool Storytime
WHERE: Corbit-Calloway Memorial Library, 115 High Street, Odessa, DE, 19730
WHEN: Wednesday, May 10, 2017 from 11 – 11:45 a.m.
MORE INFO: Free

*This is not a comprehensive list of all events that the Delaware Poets Laureate will attend/be present at in April. This list is intended for the general public, and does not include appearances at conferences and schools.
About the Poet Laureate Program

Delaware’s Poet Laureate is an honorary position appointed by, and serving at the pleasure of, the Governor. The Poet Laureate serves as an advocate, educator, and presenter of poetry throughout the state. Activities for this position have included:

• Promoting the importance of poetry and the literary arts as part of Delaware’s cultural heritage
• Speaking at such official state functions as the opening of state legislative sessions, the Governor’s Awards for the Arts, conferences, and public ceremonies
• Presenting readings and poetry discussions in educational settings and community events across the state
• Developing poetry programming and presentation opportunities in collaboration with the Division of the Arts to support the Division’s program goals

The Delaware Division of the Arts promotes the Poet Laureate’s events and activities and manages the Poet Laureate’s calendar of appearances. The Division also provides a stipend to the Poet Laureate for appearances at nonprofit organizations.

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Contact: Leeann Wallett, Program Officer, Communications and Marketing, 302-577-8280, leeann.wallett@delaware.gov

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