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As Rock Hill Poet Laureate, I was honored to organize and curate the Rock Hill Poet Laureate program as part of the Southside Music & Cultural Trail Kick off on May 17, 2026. This program was a celebration of the history-makers, historic moments, and landmarks in the Southside of Rock Hill. Local Rock Hill talent paid homage to our African American historians. Check out a few images and videos from the program. Learn more about the Southside Music & Cultural Trail here.
Introducing the Southside Music Cultural Trail: Stories Sung, Spoken, & Shared
Photography & Videography by Sara McAllister
Poet Laureate Program Outline, May 17, 2026
1:30 PM-2:30 PM
Opening & Welcome
Carlo L’Chelle Dawson, Melanie Cooper, and Bobby Plair, Jr.
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The Stars of Zion (Music Innovators recognized on the Southside Music & Cultural Trail)
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Tyrie Rowell (Storytelling)
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Poet Laureate Carlo Dawson with Stephen Crotts (Storytelling & Instrumentation)
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Master Drummer Gary Mumford & Drumming Ensemble
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Charley Bovill (Spoken Word)
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New Mt. Olivet Liturgical Dance Ministry (Dance)
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Angelo Geter (Spoken Word)
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Vision Elite Royalty Dance Theatre Company (Dancing,)
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Clinton College Gospel Choir Singing & Performing African Drumming Pieces)
As Rock Hill Poet Laureate & a professional storyteller, I had the honor of narrating "Peter & The Wolf" and singing "Lift Every Voice & Sing with the Rock Hill Symphony in celebration of the City of Rock Hill Southside Music & Cultural Trail kick-off. Learn more about the Southside Music & Cultural Trail here.
The Power of Poetry
Jorge Luis Borges
"Truly fine poetry must be read aloud. A good poem does not allow itself to be read in a low voice or silently. If we can read it silently, it is not a valid poem: a poem demands pronunciation."
