St. Paul names first poet laureate

St. Paul Poet Laureate Carol Connolly
St. Paul Poet Laureate Carol Connolly.
Tom Sweeney

Minnesota's capital city has its first poet laureate, St. Paul resident Carol Connolly. Connolly's first commissioned poem will come on Aug. 2, during Mayor Chris Coleman's budget address.

Connolly is a published poet and columnist. Her latest book of poems is called "Payments Due."

In addition to her writing, Connolly has been active in local and state politics for years, and served formally as Minnesota Racing Commissioner and head of the St. Paul Human Rights Commission.

She spoke with MPR's Steven John.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.