Raffi Joe Wartanian Named Glendale’s First Poet Laureate

Raffi Joe Wartanian is the City of Glendale’s first Poet Laureate.

As an ambassador for the city’s rich culture and diversity, Wartanian will engage community members of all ages in poetry writing, performance, and appreciation. He will also read poetry at special events throughout the city and write a poem celebrating Glendale’s unique character.

Wartanian was selected by a panel of distinguished poets and educators, including Los Angeles Poet Laureate Lynne Thompson and Glendale Community College instructor Julie Gamberg. He was chosen for his accomplishments in poetry and his vision of using writing to foster solidarity and promote self-expression.

“We are thrilled to have Raffi Joe Wartanian serve as our City’s first Poet Laureate,” said Mayor Ardy Kassakhian. “Wartanian’s work reflects the diversity and intricacies of our city and residents. His experience as an educator and organizer, leading creative writing workshops for incarcerated writers, veterans, and youth affected by war through Letters for Peace, a conflict transformation workshop he created, make him a great first Poet Laureate for Glendale.”

Source: Asbarez