Fresno’s 7th Poet Laureate gives voice to resilience of farmworkers

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Fresno’s seventh poet laureate will be honored at Fresno City Hall and recite a poem for Fresno following the proclamation.

The Fresno Arts Council announced on Tuesday that Mayor Jerry Dyer has appointed Aideed Medina as Fresno’s Poet Laureate, serving as a highlight for National Poetry Month.

“Drawing inspiration from her family’s experiences and the broader farmworker movement, Aideed Medina’s poetry captures the resilience, struggles, and hopes of those who have long been the economic backbone of our region,” said nominator, California State Senator Anna Caballero. “Through her work, she pays homage to the labor and sacrifices of farmworkers while giving voice to their enduring spirit and contributions to our community.”

Medina is an award-winning spoken word artist and playwright and is the author of “31 Hummingbird: A Suite of Poems” and “Segmented Bodies.”

“In my poetry practice, the poet attempts to create and share in service and for the community’s enjoyment,” said Medina. “In this spirit, I hope to serve as Fresno’s Poet Laureate. Flor y Canto, Flower Song for the people, with love.”

Medina’s appointment will be celebrated at the Fresno Arts Council gallery, 1245 Van Ness Ave., on April 10 at 5:30 p.m. There, Medina will recite an original poem, titled “Yokuts Land, of Fresno, I Sing.”

Following Joseph Rios, who was Fresno’s Poet Laureate from 2023 to 2025, Medina will serve her two-year term beginning in April 2025 and ending in March 2027.