Sonia Sanchez, poet, teacher, mentor, activist, and revered Philadelphian, has been named the city's first Poet Laureate by Mayor Michael Nutter in a morning ceremony Thursday, December 29th, at City Hall.

The author of at least 18 books of poetry, as well as plays and children's books, she will serve a two-year term beginning in January. As Poet Laureate, Sanchez will be involved in the Inauguration of the Mayor, spoken word and poetry events at City Hall, guest author events and poetry readings at the Free Library of Philadelphia, and the selection of a Youth Poet Laureate to whom the Poet Laureate will serve as a mentor.

In an official statement, Philadelphia Mayor Nutter said he was "extremely excited" by the selection: "Poetry is an extraordinary and powerful art form, and our great city is filled with an astonishing array of poets who help us to better understand our lives. Ms. Sanchez exemplifies the role a poet can play in helping to define a city and helping its citizens discover beauty."

Sanchez responded by saying, “What an honor! I accept this position as Poet Laureate of Philadelphia on behalf of the citizens of this wonderful city. I accept this position as Poet Laureate to remind us how poetry makes us remember the best of ourselves and others. How it keeps us constantly confronting the most important question of this twenty-first century: what does it mean to be human?”