Mayda del Valle, Chicago’s newly appointed poet laureate, is actively embracing her role as an ambassador for the city’s literary arts during her two-year term. A South Side native with Puerto Rican roots, she aims to amplify immigrant voices and share her perspective on the city she cherishes.
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In a recent interview hosted by Caroline Prewitt for Medill Reports, del Valle performed her poem, "The Windy City’s Song," which reflects her deep connection to Chicago. The poem captures the city's history and essence, highlighting both its beauty and challenges.
Del Valle articulated the importance of poetry as a vehicle for truth-telling, emphasizing the emotional depth that it carries. She reflected on her upbringing in neighborhoods filled with cultural vibrancy and musical influence, which shaped her own artistic journey. As she noted, writing started to resonate with her during high school when she sought to express her thoughts and feelings in ways that had often gone unheard in a large family.
The conversation touched on the delicate nature of her role within the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, where maintaining artistic integrity while navigating civic responsibilities poses a challenge. Del Valle affirmed that she is not censored and views her work as part of a public art initiative aimed at making poetry accessible.
Looking ahead, del Valle is excited about conducting workshops throughout the city to foster communal storytelling and creative expression, contributing to a larger project named the All-City Cento Project. This project aims to compile diverse voices from Chicagoans into a collective poem that showcases the city’s rich narrative.
As the interview wrapped up, del Valle expressed her vision for poetry in Chicago: she believes the city needs a poem that encourages self-love and unity, reminding its residents that Chicago belongs to them, regardless of their backgrounds.