The City of Malden was pleased to welcome resident CD Collins as Malden’s new Poet Laureate at the Malden High School 2023 Commencement ceremony. In her inaugural appearance, CD addressed the graduates with an inspiring reflection of what they have accomplished and where they are headed. “To the mighty Class of the Gold and the Blue, go with love and hold fiercely to your own truth. When your history is written and your legend is told, remember Class 2023 the Blue and the Gold.”
As Poet Laureate, CD will serve as an advocate for poetry and the literary arts and will advance consciousness and appreciation of poetry in the written and spoken forms. She will be reading poems at ceremonial events, attending literary and cultural events, and providing public readings and workshops throughout the community.
Along with the Mayor’s Office, this initiative was led by the President of Malden Arts, Candance Julyan and Ward 3 City Councillor Amanda Linehan. The number of residents applying for the position was impressive with eight applicants, all including a selection of their poems as part of their application. CD Collins stood out as a published poet, author, performer and spoken word artist. She has a BA and MA in English Literature from the University of Kentucky, and her accomplishments are numerous. In addition to publishing three books (a collection of short stories, a novel, and a poetry collection), CD has also been published in several literary magazines; produced five compact discs of poetry, stories and song; received many grants and awards; and, has performed in a variety of venues, including the Berklee College of Music Performance Hall, Boston Public Library, Club Passim, Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art, the Malden Public Library Art Gallery, and the New York Public Library.
The arts play a vital role in making Malden the dynamic and vibrant city that it is. This initiative is another way to enhance the arts scene so that it can continue to thrive. Stay tuned for CD’s future public appearances.