2025-2026 Poet Laureate Announced!
Photo by Zach Mayo
The Jersey City Arts Council, Mayor Steven M. Fulop, and Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs are pleased to announce Melida Rodas as Jersey City’s next Poet Laureate! This prestigious position offers an exceptional opportunity for a talented poet to engage with the community, celebrate the literary arts, and contribute to the cultural vitality of Jersey City.
In her own words…
"Thank you on behalf of my adolescent self who poured her heart onto her marble notebooks, in the hallways of her high school, when no one else was around, she grappled with her reality as an immigrant, as a daughter of two hardworking people, she wished to understand the world around her, dreamed of telling their story, that of fortitude, resilience and unconditional love. Thank you on behalf of my present self, the mother, the teacher, who so wants every little child in this city to inherit the wisdom, peace, and power gifted to us by the art of poetry. Thank you on behalf of those who have loved me into being: my family, my teachers, my ancestors. Thank you on behalf of those who are still struggling for their voices to be heard - let us remember them, let us help them."
More About Melida Rodas
Melida has a long history of collaborating with local organizations on creative projects that celebrate the community and received a Jersey City Woman of Action Award in 2023. She co-founded Greenville Arts Crossroads, a grassroots poetry and arts organization, aimed at connecting, uplifting and inspiring creative talent in Hudson County. Additionally, Melida has held teaching positions at All Saints Catholic Academy and Saint Peter’s University - 21st Century Program. At Infinite Therapy Solutions, she occupies various positions including Education and Community Engagement Coordinator, where she leads community initiatives dedicated to supporting neurodivergent children. Melida has fulfilled the role of Dodge Poetry Festival School Coordinator and has been involved in educational initiatives, including the Poetry and Journalism Project with Marist High School and The Literature of Immigration Project with SaveEllisIsland.org. She has served as a poetry group leader as founder of Destination Art Space and The New York City Poetry Festival as a member of The Poetry Society of New York. Melida’s work has appeared in various publications including Transformations - The Journal of Inclusive Scholarship and Pedagogy, American Working-Class Literature, What We Hold In Common, Literature and Work, and The Sun Magazine.
History of the Poet Laureate Appointment
The position of Poet Laureate for the City of Jersey City was established by a resolution of the City Council in 2018 as a result of the collaborative efforts of JCAC and the Office of Cultural Affairs. The Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for poetry, representing the artistic spirit of Jersey City while fostering public appreciation for the literary arts. This role involves a variety of responsibilities including hosting readings, conducting workshops, and collaborating with local organizations to inspire and engage residents through the power of poetry. The term of service is two years, with an honorarium of $3000 per year. Past poet laureates include Rashad Wright, Susan Justiniano aka RescuePoetix, and Ann E. Wallace.
Application and Evaluation Process
JCAC implemented a new application and evaluation approach for the poet laureate role in 2024. This year 15 highly qualified applicants submitted a personal statement, poetry portfolio, video performance, poetic resume, community involvement statement, and letter of recommendation. Applicants were required to be a current resident of Jersey City, at least 18 years old, and demonstrate a significant and meaningful tie to the Jersey City community for a minimum of 3 years. The review panel, comprised of former poet laureates and the JCAC Board of Directors, reviewed the applications and evaluated candidates on poetic value, community impact and engagement, and poetry experience through performance and/or publication. The review panel’s recommendation was submitted to the Mayor and City Council for approval.
What's Next
Melida has shared that in this new role she invites others to join her in exploring new artistic horizons through poetry. As with her previous projects, she aims to maintain a forward-thinking vision that reconstructs, revitalizes, and revolutionizes the art of poetry. Join the adventure by following Melida at @poeticarts and on her website https://www.melidarodas.com/