Joy Harjo, First Native American Writer to Be Named U.S. Poet Laureate, Reappointed for Second Term

Editor's Note, April 30, 2020 : Joy Harjo, the first Native American writer to hold the title of United States poet laureate, has been reappointed for a second term, the Library of Congress announced Thursday. "Joy Harjo is such an inspiring and engaging poet laureate," says Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden in a statement. "I'm thrilled she said yes to a second term to help the Library showcase Native poets from coast-to-coast. Her profound musical and literary talents are a gift to the nation."

On Wednesday, the Library of Congress announced the appointment of its 23rd poet laureate: Joy Harjo, a poet, author, musician, performer and activist, whose lyrical verses draw on the Native American experience through a female lens. A member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, Harjo is the first Native American poet to hold the prestigious position.

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