Dayton Mayor names Sierra Leone City's First Poet Laureate
Sierra Leone, an Ohio Governor's Award-winning producer and interdisciplinary artist named as the City of Dayton's first Poet Laureate
Sierra Leone named City of Dayton's First Poet Laureate
Dayton Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims announced poet and educator Sierra Leone as the City of Dayton’s first Poet Laureate this morning at the Paul Laurence Dunbar House Visitor Center. Sierra Leone will serve one two-year term as Dayton’s Poet Laureate, with the goal of representing Dayton and promoting the importance of literacy and the arts in the region.
“Today, we make history in Dayton as we proudly announce our city’s first-ever Poet Laureate,” says Mayor Mims. “This moment is a testament to the power of words, storytelling, and the vibrant artistic spirit that runs through our community. Poetry has the unique ability to connect us, inspire us, and reflect the heart of our city. We look forward to the ways our Poet Laureate will amplify Dayton’s voices and celebrate our shared stories. Congratulations to Sierra Leone, and may your words continue to uplift and unite us all.”
Mayor Mims and Dayton City Commissioners passed a resolution to create the Poet Laureate position in June 2024. Applicants were required to live or work in the city and be committed to continuing their residency or employment throughout the two-year appointment term. Candidates submitted three original poems, a publication history, a proven track record of recognition in the field, demonstrate literary excellence, and a strong commitment to promoting awareness of poetry. Six poets applied for the appointment.
The Poet Laureate Selection Committee consisted of Debi Chess, Director of External Relations and Development, Dayton Metro Library; Lisa Hanson, President and CEO, Culture Works; Furaha Henry-Jones, professor of English and African American Literature, Sinclair College; Mayor Jeffrey Mims; and, Nick Raines, Executive Director, Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation. Diane Schoeffler-Warren of Culture Works coordinated the development and implementation of the City of Dayton’s Poet Laureate application process with the help of Darius Beckham, Senior Policy Aide, for the Office of the Mayor. Culture Works will act as the administrative and fiscal agent for the City of Dayton.
“Culture Works is honored to have played a role in guiding the selection process for Dayton’s first Poet Laureate,” says Lisa Hanson, President and CEO of Culture Works. “We sincerely thank the esteemed panelists for their invaluable time, expertise, and dedication. Your contributions have been instrumental in shaping this important initiative. We are proud to be part of a community that champions the arts as a vital force in enriching lives, inspiring creativity, and fostering cultural vibrancy.”
Leone’s first official engagement as Dayton’s Poet Laureate is at Mayor Mims’ State of the City address on Feb. 12. She will be available for speaking engagements, workshops, and other opportunities as her schedule allows. To inquire about engaging Sierra Leone, email poetlaureatedayton@
About Sierra Leone, City of Dayton Poet Laureate
Sierra Leone, an Ohio Governor's Award-winning producer and interdisciplinary artist, empowers communities through her writing, teaching, playwriting, and production work. As the Home of Urban Creative Arts co-founder, she fosters community and social change. Her work includes the persona poem "Katrina 2031," performed at TEDx Dayton. Her performances, fellowships, and public commissions include the "Walking With Words Exhibition," "Spirit of a Flyer" for the restored Dayton Arcade, "Expressions" a Libretto for the Dayton Philharmonic, "Gathering Space" and "Music Heals on Fifth and Main" for the Dayton Metro Library Main Branch and Levitt Pavilion Dayton. As an Ohio Teaching Artist, she has collaborated with over a dozen institutions, developing curricula for high students. 2023-24, Sierra was commissioned as the poet and literary artist on the collaborative art project "The Seed of Life 8/4 Memorial."
Leone holds two master's degrees from Wright State University and is the 2024 inaugural Artist-in-Residence at the Charles F. Kettering Foundation, collaborating with local artists and organizations to advance inclusive democracy through the arts. Her artistic vision, social consciousness, and business acumen make her a powerful force in the arts community. Sierra Leone is the City of Dayton's 2025 Poet Laureate.
About Culture Works
Culture Works is the funding, advocacy, and service organization that passionately inspires, supports, and sustains arts and culture in the Dayton Region. As the united arts fund and arts service agency for the Dayton region, Culture Works believes that creating and maintaining a vibrant and attractive community filled with quality arts brings measurable and immeasurable value to our citizens. Culture Works’ programs and initiatives are made possible through significant support from the Campaign for the Arts Workplace Giving Campaign, Ohio Arts Council, Montgomery County, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
