Voices of the City: Worcester Names Nicole “Nic” Jean Turner and Samara Tang-Rainwater as New Poets Laureate
By: Jerry Filmore, Editor in Chief December 30, 2025
Worcester has found its new literary North Stars. City Manager Eric D. Batista announced Monday the appointments of the next City of Worcester Poet Laureate and Youth Poet Laureate. These individuals serve as the official cultural ambassadors for our city’s historic and vibrant poetry scene.
After a highly competitive selection process, distinguished poet and community advocate Nicole “Nic” Jean Turner has been selected as the city’s next Poet Laureate. She will serve a three-year term from January 2026 through December 2028. Joining her is Samara Tang-Rainwater, a freshman at Doherty Memorial High School, who will serve as the Youth Poet Laureate through December 2027.
Nicole Jean Turner: The Architect of Community
Nicole Turner is a name well known to anyone who frequents the local spoken-word circuit. As an organizer for The Dirty Gerund Poetry Show, the longest-running independent poetry series in the region, Turner has spent years uplifting emerging voices through mentorship and performance.
Her credentials are as heavy as her impact. Turner is a former Iron Poet Champion, a Massachusetts Poetry Olympics gold medalist, and the author of the 2020 collection With Only Which She Could Carry. In 2024, she founded “The Roadshow,” a rotating poetry team designed to lower the barriers for people wanting to participate in competitive poetry.
“My mission is to study the mechanics of community,” Turner said regarding her appointment. She aims to offer mentorship to poets of all ages to ensure every resident has a place to discover their voice.
Samara Tang-Rainwater: A Fresh Perspective
Representing the next generation is Samara Tang-Rainwater. A Worcester native and multi-talented artist, Tang-Rainwater began her creative journey with drawing and music before finding her footing in writing. In addition to her poetry, she plays the trombone, cymbals, and piano.
As the Youth Poet Laureate, her goal is to bring honesty and encouragement to Worcester’s multicultural communities. She noted that hearing different perspectives and experiences is what keeps her deeply connected to the city. During her two-year term, she hopes to grow in integrity while connecting with people across all neighborhoods.
The Inauguration
Both Turner and Tang-Rainwater will receive ceremonial medals created by local metal artist Pam Farren. They are scheduled to deliver their first official readings during the City of Worcester’s Inaugural Exercises and Celebration.
Event Details:
- Date: Friday, Jan. 2, 2026
- Time: 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Doherty Memorial High School
A Legacy of Service
The city also extended its gratitude to outgoing Poet Laureate Oliver de la Paz and Youth Poet Laureate Serenity Jackson. City Manager Batista praised their dedication to bringing poetry to life in schools, libraries, and festivals, noting that their workshops and performances have left a lasting mark on Worcester’s cultural landscape.
Residents and organizations can already look into bringing these new voices to their own events. The city has made the Worcester Poets Laureate Appearance Request Form available online for schools and community groups.
Have a tip, story idea, or something happening in your neighborhood? Email Editor-in-Chief Jerry Filmore at jfilmore@whatsupworcester.com or press@whatsupworcester.com because local news starts with the community.
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