Manuel González has been appointed as the third New Mexico State Poet Laureate, a role he will hold for three years. This appointment was made by New Mexico Arts and the New Mexico State Library, both divisions of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. González's new position continues his legacy of using poetry to promote healing, empowerment, and cultural memory.
González previously served as Albuquerque Poet Laureate from 2016 to 2018. He is known for his dedication to community and justice through his poetry. "I’m honored and humbled to be named the next New Mexico State Poet Laureate," González said. "Poetry has been medicine in my life, helping me heal, remember, and reconnect with my family, my community, and my ancestors."
He plans to bring poetry to various places across the state such as schools and libraries. His goal is to create spaces where all voices can be heard and celebrated. For over twenty years, González has worked at the intersection of poetry, education, and social change. He teaches at the Native American Community Academy using culturally grounded curricula to empower Indigenous and Chicano youth.
Debra Garcia y Griego, Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Cultural Affairs, praised González's contributions: "Manuel González is not only a poet of great skill; he is a steward of New Mexico’s living culture." As Poet Laureate, González will lead initiatives that support literacy and champion poetry throughout New Mexico.
New Mexico Arts administers programs like One Percent for Public Art and awards grants for arts programs statewide (www.nmarts.org). The New Mexico State Library supports public libraries and provides services for rural populations (nmstatelibrary.org).
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