News Summary
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon has named Linda Parsons as the new Poet Laureate, effective July 1. With over 40 years of experience, Parsons aims to enhance the city’s literary voice through community engagement and educational programs during her two-year term.
Knoxville Appoints New Poet Laureate
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon has officially appointed Linda Parsons as the city’s new Poet Laureate, effective July 1. Parsons becomes the fifth individual to hold this position since the program’s initiation in 2012, succeeding Joseph Woods, also known as Black Atticus.
About Linda Parsons
Linda Parsons, an eighth-generation Tennessean, brings over 40 years of writing and editing experience to her new role. She has authored six collections of poetry, with her most recent publication titled Valediction: Poems and Prose. Parsons is a recognized member of the East Tennessee Writers Hall of Fame, reflecting her significant contributions to the literary community.
Parsons’ creative work often delves into themes such as family history, childhood experiences, gardening, and the cycles of loss and rebirth. In addition to her poetry, she has seen five of her plays produced at Knoxville’s Flying Anvil Theatre. Parsons also co-created and coordinated a reading and performance series called WordStream that ran from 2019 to 2020, highlighting her commitment to expanding the literary arts in Knoxville.
Award Recognition and Community Involvement
Throughout her career, Parsons has been recognized with numerous awards, including the AWP Intro Award, the George Scarbrough Poetry Prize, and honors from Streetlight Magazine and the Tennessee Writers Alliance. She has also been nominated multiple times for the prestigious Pushcart Prize. In her professional capacity, she serves as the poetry editor for Madville Publishing and works as a copy editor for Chapter 16, a literary site under the auspices of Humanities Tennessee.
Parsons is actively engaged with the Knoxville Writers Guild, which holds regular meetings at Addison’s Bookstore. Notably, she led a writing workshop tailored for caregivers of dementia patients, inspired by her personal experiences. This involvement showcases her dedication to supporting and enhancing the community through literature.
Role and Responsibilities as Poet Laureate
The Knoxville Poet Laureate program aims to amplify the city’s literary voice by promoting poetry and literary expression. Each Poet Laureate serves a two-year term, during which they are expected to engage with the community through outreach and educational programs. Past laureates, including R.B. Morris, Marilyn Kallet, and Rhea Carmon, have left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Knoxville.
With her recent appointment, Parsons is anticipated to foster community engagement by participating in various city events and offering workshops to enhance public appreciation for poetry. One such event, organized by Parsons, is the Knoxville Poetry Liberation Front, scheduled for June 22. This event will feature various poets and serve as a fundraiser for the ACLU of Tennessee, further illustrating her commitment to social issues and community engagement.
Conclusion
Linda Parsons is poised to bring her extensive experience and passion for poetry to her new role as Knoxville’s Poet Laureate. Her appointment marks a new chapter for the city’s literary program, and her planned activities are expected to enrich the community’s cultural fabric.
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Additional Resources
- Inside of Knoxville: Linda Parsons Named Poet Laureate
- Google Search: Linda Parsons Poet Laureate
- Knox TN Today: If Knoxville Were a Poem
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Poet Laureate
- Knox News: Nikki Giovanni Remembered
- Google News: Nikki Giovanni Knoxville
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
