Suban Nur Cooley, Lansing’s poet laureate, is actively working to increase public engagement with poetry this fall by hosting various events. This includes a poetry workshop scheduled for Saturday, October 31, at 2 p.m. at the South Lansing branch of the Capital Area District Libraries. Additionally, she will appear at The Poetry Gallery in Michigan State University's Broad Art Museum on November 18, starting at 7 p.m.
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Cooley recently spoke with WKAR’s Scott Pohl on Inside The Arts to discuss her mission and share a new poem. She emphasized the importance of making poetry accessible, particularly to those who may be unfamiliar with it. Her goal is to excite people about poetry and encourage participation from those who have never written it before.
She plans to host workshops and readings in various nontraditional spaces, such as greenhouses and wineries, aiming to make poetry appear in unexpected places. Cooley recalled how this concept of 'pop-up poetry' seeks to surprise audiences and engage them beyond conventional venues.
Cooley also shared a poem titled “Three People Waiting For Their Luggage,” reflecting on the collective experience of anticipation and belonging.
More upcoming events in Lansing include a Carillon Halloween Concert featuring Jon Lehrer and Alison Dobbins at Michigan State University’s Beaumont Tower on October 29 at 8 p.m., and two Candlelight Concerts at Central United Methodist Church on October 30. The first concert, “A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics,” begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by a tribute to Michael Jackson’s music at 8:45 p.m. The STA Organ Series at St. Thomas Aquinas Church will feature Adrian Sanchez on baritone on November 3 at 7 p.m.