Former NC Poet Laureate Jackie Shelton Green to Appear at Lexington Book Festival March 21

Former NC Poet Laureate Jackie Shelton Green to Appear at Lexington Book Festival March 21

North Carolina’s former Poet Laureate Jackie Shelton Green will be in Lexington on March 21 as part of the Lexington Book Festival.

Green made history in 2018 when she became the first African American and only the third woman appointed as North Carolina’s Poet Laureate. During her tenure, she traveled across the state visiting schools, libraries and community spaces, encouraging people to see poetry not as something distant, but as something deeply connected to everyday life.

Born in Efland, North Carolina, Green’s work is rooted in Southern history and lived experience. Her poetry often explores race, identity, memory and justice. She is the author of several collections, including Dead on Arrival, Conjure Blues and i want to undie you.

Beyond writing, Green has spent decades working in arts administration, education and cultural preservation. She has collaborated with museums and historic sites across the state, documenting African American stories and helping communities preserve their histories through literature.

Her time as Poet Laureate, from 2018 to 2021, came during a period of heightened national conversation about race and equity. Green used her platform to foster dialogue and create space for reflection across communities.

The Lexington Book Festival, scheduled for March 21, will bring authors, readers and vendors together to celebrate books and literacy. Organizers have opened vendor registration and are encouraging the community to participate.

Green’s appearance offers local residents a chance to hear directly from one of North Carolina’s most respected literary voices — a writer who has dedicated her career to telling the stories that shape this state.

More details about the festival, including location and event times, are expected to be shared by organizers.