A Poetic Passing Of The Gavel

Inaugural Prince George's County Poet Laureate Ushers in New Leader Dr. Ali-Coleman and Bids Farewell to Sistah Joy

On April 24, "Celebration of Poetry in Prince George's County," took place at the Hyattsville Branch Library featuring Prince George's County Poet Laureate, Sistah Joy, who handed the gavel to the new 2023 Prince George's County Poet Laureate, Dr. Khadijah Ali-Coleman.

This moment, and the gavel passing, signals the transition into a new literary regime in Prince George's County.

"It feels great to know that poetry in Prince George's County remains in good hands," said Sistah Joy when asked about her departure from the position after almost five years. "Dr. Ali-Coleman is eminently qualified, and then some, to take the County's poetry efforts to the next level."

The two-hour celebration, which was co-hosted by PGCMLS Acting co-Chief Executive Officer, Nicholas Brown and PGAHC Executive Director and Chief Curator, Rhonda Dallas, welcomed area friends, family members, area poets, county officials, and members of the community at large. Festivities included the presentation of a proclamation from County Executive Angela Alsobrooks designating April 24 as J. Joy "Sistah Joy" Matthews Alford Day. Official Citations were presented to Alford by Sen. Melony Griffith of Prince George's County - Legislative District 25, and Delegate Ashanti Martinez of Prince George's County - Legislative District 22 for both Sistah Joy's service as the Inaugural Poet Laureate of Prince George's County and her decades of advocacy for poets and poetry in the county.

District 2 Council Member, Wanika B. Fisher greeted guests and congratulated Sistah Joy on her successful tenure as the Inaugural Poet Laureate and her years of arts advocacy. An award for Excellence in the Arts was presented to Sistah Joy by Dr. Gretchen Lofland on behalf of the Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Prince George's County Chapter; and Prince George's visual artist, Roger James, unveiled and presented to Alford a gallery-sized portrait of the Poet Laureate. Poet and Former Member, Board of Library Trustees, Dr. Hiram Larew, presented a tribute to Sistah Joy, followed by poetry by 2023 Prince George's County Youth Poet Laureate, Precious Foreman.

The celebration culminated as Sistah Joy gave remarks and presented poetry, shortly after which she announced and officially introduced the new 2023 Poet Laureate of Prince George's County, Dr. Khadijah Ali-Coleman. Ali-Coleman then presented a poem she penned for the occasion. A reception concluded the celebration.