Margaret O. Daramola is Virginia’s poet laureate
Free Press staff report | 5/11/2023, 6 p.m.
Margaret O. Daramola has been named the Commonwealth of Virginia’s new poet laureate. Ms. Daramola was born in Nigeria and will be awarded a bachelor’s degree in English from Hampton University on May 14 during the university’s graduation ceremonies.
At Hampton Ms. Daramola is on the Dean’s List, vice president of the African Student Association and a member of HU’s Pre-Law Society. She also was awarded the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship and Student Poet initiative award. The honorary position of poet laureate of Virginia serves a term of two years.
“I had the privilege of hearing Ms. Daramola first-hand at the investiture of Hampton University’s President Darrell Williams this past March and was greatly impressed by her presence and passion,” said Gov. Glenn Youngkin in announcing Ms. Daramola’s appointment. “Virginians will be honored to have such a talented poet represent us as laureate. I have always believed that the promise of Virginia’s future is represented in young adults like Margaret. Suzanne and I look forward to Margaret blessing Virginians across the Commonwealth with her incredible gift.”
