Schenectady names Adonis Richards first city poet laureate; council and residents praise appointment

The Schenectady City Council approved a resolution designating Adonis Richards as the city's first poet laureate Monday, and Richards spoke to the council about programming he plans to offer. "It's an honor and a pleasure to be able to serve my city," Adonis Richards said during the public comment portion after the resolution was handled on consent. He told the council he looks forward to organizing programming and creative-writing workshops "for all different types of city members." The council noted that the resolution will be presented at an honor event on Sept. 13. Councilmembers praised Richards during remarks. Councilmember Patrick called the appointment a milestone and said she looks forward to the poet laureate's impact on youth and adults. Councilmember Farley said Richards' selection reinforces the city's cultural identity and praised the volunteer panel that helped choose the poet laureate. Council members and the mayor's office also thanked volunteer panelists and city staff who worked on the selection process. The transcript records the resolution as "discussed in committee without objection on consent," and no floor debate or amendment to the resolution was recorded during the meeting. Richards said he will develop programming rooted in "poetic symmetry and a shared commitment to creative expression" and expressed excitement about working with youth and neighborhoods across the city.