April is National Poetry Month, but did you know that Columbia is one of only a few Southern cities that recognize the position of Poet Laureate?

Jennifer Bartell Boykin entered the four-year role in 2022 after being chosen by One Columbia for Arts and Culture and the City of Columbia. In the position, she promotes an appreciation of poetry while acting as a spokesperson for poets and writers in Soda City.

Jennifer's roots run deep in the Columbia community. She is originally from Johnsonville, SC, and for most of her career she's been an English teacher at Spring Valley High School. She also participated in works with Dr. Ed Madden — Columbia's inaugural Poet Laureate.

You can follow Bartell Boykin online, and she participates in many local events (she will be at the Soda City Poetry Festival in June). She has also authored two poetry books: "Only Believe" + "Traveling Mercy."