Rev. Run was denied the status of poet laureate
yesterday (April 23) in Queens, New York.
The winner was noted Korean-American poet Ishle
Yi Park who is ironically, a poet that appears on Def Poetry, which was created
by the younger Simmons’ older brother Russell.
Yi Park, 26, said that she was honored to be
compared with Run, because she grew up listening to Run and Hip-Hop music.
"I know that my life’s work lies in writing
about my people with honesty, integrity and compassion." Yi Park said.
"I’m gonna try to keep my focus on that, and let god take care of the rest."
Queens Borough President Helen Marshall swore
Yi-Park in at Queens College, who edged out 75 hopefuls. The position lasts
three years and does not pay.
Simmons said that he felt Queens wasn’t ready
for a rapper as a poet and was setting a goal of becoming the national poet
laureate.
The national position was created in 1937 and
includes such titans as James Dickey, Randall Jarrell and Robert Frost.
