PHOTO VIA CITY OF ORLANDO
The City of Orlando has appointed Camara Gaither (Instagram) as its new Poet Laureate, elevating her to a role that can help shape the city’s cultural voice through poetry and performance. An award-winning spoken word artist and licensed mental health therapist, Gaither brings a rare combination of creative and clinical insight to the position.
Her work has included leading therapy groups for veterans and at-risk youth, using language and storytelling to help participants process trauma and reclaim their sense of self. She has also earned recognition in national slam poetry competitions, building a reputation for work that balances artistry with social purpose.
As Orlando’s Poet Laureate, Gaither follows in the footsteps of Shawn Welcome (Instagram) and Susan Lilley (Instagram), both of whom helped establish the program as a platform for civic storytelling and cultural reflection. She plans to continue that legacy by amplifying community voices and using poetry to foster empathy and connection..
Residents can learn more about upcoming events and how to connect with Camara Gaither at orlando.gov/poetlaureate.
The news of the appointment comes in the wake of Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia’s recent criticism of the City of Orlando and its Poet Laureate program, which he labeled as “wasteful spending.” The program costs the City $6,000 a year, which is paid to the Poet Laureate as a stipend for their public appearances.
