State’s poet laureate is celebrant of California
Lee Herrick has been named California poet laureate.
The 52-year-old writer from the Central Valley, who was born in South Korea and adopted by a family in Modesto as an infant, is a writer and professor at Fresno City College and a teacher at the University of Nevada, Reno, at Lake Tahoe. In making the appointment, Gov. Gavin Newsom praised Herrick’s “vivid celebration” of the California experience.
“As a teacher, poet and father, Lee writes movingly about his identity as a Californian and encourages others to reflect on what the state means to them,” Newsom said in a statement honoring the state’s 10th poet laureate. “Lee’s dedication to highlighting the diverse experiences of Californians, and making them so accessible through his poetry, makes him a perfect candidate for Poet Laureate. I look forward to his work to inspire communities and individuals across the state through the power of the written word.”
Herrick, who lives in Fresno, grew up in Modesto immersed in literature, art and various cultural influences, according to a press release from the governor’s office. Newsom said his Whitmanesque work captured the essence of California’s immigrant experience — “bringing to life the smell of chapchae and the sound of mariachi trumpets, the farmers market at midnight, and the small talk of Armenian neighbors.”
Herrick previously served as Poet Laureate of the City of Fresno from 2015 to 2017, using his platform to advocate for social justice and civic engagement. His work has been published by the Bloomsbury Review, Columbia Poetry Review, Berkeley Poetry Review, the Normal School, the Poetry Foundation, Zyzzyva and other outlets.
He has also authored three books of poetry, “Scar and Flower,” “Gardening Secrets of the Dead” and “This Many Miles From Desire.”
“I am deeply honored, humbled, and excited to be named California Poet Laureate,” Herrick said in a statement.
The poet laureate works with the California Arts Council to promote poetry, especially among children. The council takes nominations and recommends four candidates to the governor.
“Lee’s poetry invites us to reflect on our love of California and reminds us of the values we hold so dear — our inclusivity, empathy, and creativity,” first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom said in a statement. “Lee’s deep understanding of culture and community alongside his irrefutable talent will no doubt guide him throughout his tenure as our state’s poetry advocate.”
The position comes with an annual stipend of an undisclosed amount over a two-year term.