A Birmingham native will become Alabama’s first Black poet laureate.
Ashley Jones started writing poetry at seven and never stopped. She’s published two collections with one coming soon. She’s also been featured in literary magazines nationwide. Jones is a political poet who focuses on history and social justice. She thinks that poetry can make a positive difference in Alabama.
“If I were to just stand up and recite the history, people may still hold on to their own biases or their own beliefs more strongly," Jones said. "But if I come with art first, sometimes that opens people up in a way that they’re able to have a conversation and really listen.”
Jones feels that the literary community is often divided on academic and racial lines. She wants to make poetry as accessible as possible during her time as poet laureate.
“Poetry is so much bigger than just a classroom. It’s so much bigger than just a stage. It’s really about the people who write it and love it," she said. "I’m hoping to do that work during my four years."
Jones will officially become Alabama’s poet laureate in 2022.