Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has named Camara Gaither as the city’s third Poet Laureate, continuing the city’s legacy of celebrating poetry as a voice for community and culture. Once confirmed by the Orlando City Council, Gaither will begin a four-year term promoting poetry and the literary arts across the city.
“We are excited for Camara to use poetry and the literary arts to tell our community’s stories,” said Mayor Dyer. “There is no doubt that Orlando is a better place to live and work because of our vibrant arts and cultural scene.”
About Orlando’s New Poet Laureate
Gaither is a commissioned spoken word artist and licensed mental health therapist who fuses creative expression with emotional healing. A graduate of the University of Central Florida’s Master of Social Work program (2023), she has led community poetry workshops, won slam competitions statewide, and represented Orlando on the national stage.
Her poetry amplifies stories often left untold, bringing words of liberation and healing to communities throughout Orlando.
Expanding Poetry Access Across Orlando
As Poet Laureate, Gaither will perform original works at city events, schools, and youth programs while expanding the “Words and Wonders” Poetry Contest, an initiative created by Orlando’s first Poet Laureate, Susan Lilley, to encourage residents to share their own poetic voices.
The selection process was led by the City of Orlando’s Office of Community Affairs in partnership with United Arts of Central Florida. A panel of poets, educators, and literary experts reviewed 24 applicants for the position based on artistic merit, experience, and community impact.
About the Poet Laureate Program
The Orlando Poet Laureate serves as the city’s official storyteller, inspiring civic pride through poetry and cultural engagement. Gaither’s appointment symbolizes Orlando’s ongoing investment in the arts as a cornerstone of civic identity.
To learn more about the “Words and Wonders” Poetry Contest, visit orlando.gov.
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