Raleigh Poet Laureate

About the Laureate

Johnny Lee Chapman III

Johnny Lee Chapman III has worked as a professional poet for the past decade, sharing poetry across the city, state, and nation through performances, public art, and workshops. His career includes creating a series of filmed monologues highlighting North Carolina history, sponsored by the North Carolina Museum of Art and the Black on Black Project; becoming a finalist in a national team poetry slam; and completing three years as a fellow at the Watering Hole Writers’ Retreat.

Chapman also co-founded Capital Moments, a biweekly open mic at Transfer Co.; served twice as an artist-in-residence with Carolina Performing Arts; and led Juneteenth workshops for youth summer camps in Henderson, Nevada. Through collaborations with municipal institutions and local artists, he has incorporated poetry into public spaces, including an installation at Gipson Play Plaza. He is currently designing concrete artwork for Raleigh’s New Bern Avenue Bus Rapid Transit project.

Across disciplines, Chapman encourages people of all ages to explore their imaginations and recognize their capacity to create change.

“Never let your ink run dry.”

—Johnny Lee Chapman III

Selection Process

Chapman was selected through a public application process in spring 2026. A committee of artists and community leaders reviewed the applications, interviewed candidates, and recommended Chapman to the Arts Commission for final approval.