Austin has officially joined other Texas cities in designating a poet laureate. The Austin Public Library announced that poet and theatre artist Zell Miller III will serve in the role from April 2025 to April 2027.
As poet laureate, Miller will act as an ambassador for the library’s mission to promote literary arts. He will organize poetry events, public readings, and workshops to foster appreciation for poetry and literacy. His goal is to use poetry to capture and express Austin’s unique culture and history.
Zell Miller III: A Voice for Identity and Culture
Miller, an Austin native, is known for his powerful performances that explore themes of identity and culture. His work often reflects his personal experiences, especially as a Black man growing up in Austin during the 1970s.
His 2023 production Chronicles of an Indigenous Offspring, staged at Hyde Park Theatre, drew inspiration from James Baldwin’s Notes of a Native Son and highlighted his journey in a segregated Austin. Miller has been recognized for his contributions to literature and was named Best Author/Poet in The Austin Chronicle’s 2004 Best of Austin Reader’s Poll.
A Community Effort to Establish the Poet Laureate Program
Austin’s poet laureate program was the result of a public campaign led by local author KB Brookins in 2024. Inspired by similar initiatives in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, Brookins advocated for the city to recognize poetry’s role in the community.
Alongside Texas Poet Laureate Amanda Johnston, Brookins celebrated the program’s creation last September with the event “Austin Is a Poem.” Their efforts paved the way for Miller’s historic appointment.
With his two-year term ahead, Miller is set to bring poetry into the heart of Austin, ensuring its stories and voices are heard through the power of words.
Related topics: