THE POPUP: The Poet Laureate ft. Melissa Ferrer Civil

Kansas City’s first poet laureate, Melissa Ferrer Civil, was appointed in February 2024, bringing a powerful spirit to the community through her words. In this episode, I reflect on her moving appointment ceremony and dive into what it truly means to be a poet laureate. We also explore Civil’s work beyond poetry, including her programs A Nation in Exile and Melanated Measures, which aim to inspire healing, community, and self-expression.