Takoma Park council names David Alberto Fernandez poet laureate; he reads bilingual work

The Takoma Park City Council unanimously approved a resolution appointing David Alberto Fernandez as the city’s poet laureate and invited him to read brief selections at the start of the meeting. Arts and humanities manager Bridal Smith introduced Fernandez, describing the laureateship as a city role that "promotes public appreciation of poetry" and leads city‑sponsored poetry projects.

Fernandez, who introduced himself as David Davi Alberto Fernandez, told the council his poetry is bilingual and community‑focused. He read three short pieces, ranging from reflections on community resilience to a poem critical of consumerism. "My poetry is bilingual. I write in Spanish and in English," he said.

The council moved the resolution and members expressed appreciation for starting the meeting with art and bilingual work. Mayor Searcy called for the vote; the motion carried after council members voiced their support. The mayor congratulated Fernandez and invited him to pose for a photo with the council.

The appointment completes the administrative step the council had listed as its first voting item. As described by Bridal Smith, the poet laureate traditionally leads city poetry projects, reads at public events and acts as an ambassador for the local poetry community.