Marcus Amaker, Poet Laureate: "Hold What Makes You Whole"

Marcus Amaker takes daily naps. He’s also a dad, husband, Charleston’s first Poet Laureate, an opera writer, and an Academy of American Poets fellow. In 2024, he was inducted into the S.C. Literary Hall of Fame. He’s published ten books, released 43 albums of electronic music and three albums with a Grammy Award winner. He’s also the graphic designer of No Depression, the national roots music journal. His poetry has been recognized by The Source, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Washington Post, PBS Newshour, NPR, Button Poetry, American Poets Magazine, The Kennedy Center, and more. His re-written version of My Country Tis of Thee was used by the Washington National Opera for President Biden’s inauguration in 2021.