California Poet Laureate

The California Poet Laureate is the poet laureate for the U.S. state of California. In 2001, Governor Gray Davis created the official position. Each poet laureate for the State of California is appointed by the Governor of California for a term of two years and must be confirmed by the senate. Previous to Governor Davis' action in creating the position, the title was unofficial and the position was held for life. The program is run by the California Arts Council.

Poets laureate

Grave marker in Inglewood Park Cemetery for Gordon W. Norris

• Ina Donna Coolbrith, appointed on June 30, 1915. Held the title until her death in 1928.
• Dr. Henry Meade Bland, 1929–1931
• John Steven McGroarty, 1933–1944
• Gordon W. Norris, 1953–1961
• Charles B. Garrigus, 1966–2000
• Quincy Troupe, June 11, 2002–October 2002.
• Al Young, appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on May 12, 2005.
• Carol Muske-Dukes, appointed by Gov. Schwarzenegger on November 14, 2008.
• Juan Felipe Herrera, appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown on March 21, 2012.
• Dana Gioia, appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown on December 4, 2015.

Years in blue type link to Years in poetry

See also

• Poets laureate of U.S. states
• List of poetry awards
• List of American literary awards

External links

• California Poet Laureate website