News Summary
Boston is grieving the loss of its second poet laureate, Danielle Legros Georges, who passed away at 60. Known for her impactful poetry and community involvement, her legacy continues to resonate deeply within the literary world. Born in Haiti and deeply connected to Boston, she embraced the themes of identity and migration in her works, inspiring generations. A funeral mass will be held on February 22, 2023, as the community celebrates her life and contributions.
Boston Mourns the Loss of Beloved Poet Laureate Danielle Legros Georges
In a heartfelt turn of events, Boston has lost a true literary gem. Danielle Legros Georges, the city’s second poet laureate, has passed away at the age of 60 on February 11, 2023. Surrounded by her loving partner Tom Laughlin and her three brothers, Danielle left behind a legacy that resonates within the hearts of many.
A Journey Rooted in Resilience
Born on February 14, 1964, in the vibrant city of Gonaïves, Haiti, Danielle’s life story began with courage. Fleeing the oppressive dictatorship of François Duvalier, her family sought refuge and opportunity, first moving to the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to her parents’ work with UNESCO. But it was Boston that became her true home, where they settled when she was just six years old.
Impactful Poet and Teacher
Danielle served as Boston’s poet laureate from 2015 to 2019. This role saw her succeeding Sam Cornish and being succeeded by Porsha Olayiwola. During her time in this position, she embraced the community with her passion for poetry and her gift for connecting with people. She published four inspiring books of poetry and even managed to complete a fifth while bravely battling cancer, a testament to her determination and creativity.
Life’s Work – Exploring Identity Through Words
In her poetry, Danielle navigated themes of migration, identity, and the complexity of language negotiation. One standout piece was her poignant poem, “A Poem for the Poorest Country in the Western Hemisphere,”, crafted in response to negative narratives surrounding Haiti after the devastating earthquake of 2010. Through her words, she had an incredible knack for weaving personal experiences with broader histories, creating a tapestry of human emotion and resilience.
A Beacon of Hope and Influence
Danielle’s accomplishments didn’t go unnoticed. She received various honors, including being named Chevalier de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by France’s Ministry of Culture for her outstanding work as a translator. Her notable publications such as “Three Leaves, Three Roots,” “The Dear Remote Nearness of You,” and “Maroon” reflect the depth and range of her thoughts and feelings, and her desire to capture the immigrant experience.
A Passion for Education
Not only was she a distinguished poet, but she also shared her knowledge and experience as a long-time professor at Lesley University, where she became professor emerita and directed the MFA program. This role allowed her to nurture budding poets and writers in a supportive environment.
A Legacy of Community and Connections
Over the years, Danielle emerged as a vital part of Boston’s Haitian community. She inspired many through her ability to connect writers from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging that transcended the written word. Her identity, enriched by her family’s history, was something she embraced fully and passionately.
Farewell and Celebration of Life
A funeral mass is scheduled for February 22, 2023, at Boston’s Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, followed by her burial at Forest Hills Cemetery alongside her family. As the community gathers to celebrate her life, it’s clear that Danielle Legros Georges will be remembered not only for her literary contributions but also for her generous spirit and the powerful connections she forged along the way.
Boston has lost a visionary thinker, but her words and spirit will continue to influence generations to come.
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Additional Resources
- DotNews: Danielle Legros Georges, 59, Served as Boston’s Poet Laureate
- Legacy: Danielle Legros Georges Obituary
- Boston Globe: Danielle Legros Georges Obituary
- Literary Hub: Danielle Legros Georges on Docupoetics
- Boston Magazine: Love My Job – Poet Laureate
- Wikipedia: Danielle Legros Georges
- Google Search: Danielle Legros Georges
- Google Scholar: Danielle Legros Georges
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Danielle Legros Georges
- Google News: Danielle Legros Georges
