West Cleveland News

Cuyahoga County Poet Laureate Honey Bell-Bey is scheduled to receive the esteemed Citizens Artist Award from the United States Conference of Mayors and the Americans for the Arts on January 19, 2024. This award recognizes her significant contributions to both the arts and charitable endeavors.

According to a press release, Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne said, "On behalf of Cuyahoga County, I applaud Poet Laureate Honey Bell-Bey for her work to inform and connect people through poetry. Ms. Bell-Bey is a treasured artist who is most deserving of this incredible honor."

As per Poets.org, Bell-Bey has a BA in Broadcast Production Technology from Bethune-Cookman University. She is not only a motivational poet, writer, and educator but also an Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist. As the founder and director of The International Distinguished Gentlemen of Spoken Word, she leads a performance troupe addressing adolescent males on disparities and social injustices. She has received numerous awards for her impactful use of poetry in promoting social justice and equity. Appointed as the poet laureate of Cuyahoga County in January 2020, Bell-Bey became the first poet in sixteen years to hold this esteemed position.

Poet Laureate Honey Bell-Bey | CSU Alumni

In response to receiving the prestigious Citizens Artist Award, according to the press release, Bell-Bey expressed gratitude while emphasizing her passion for contributing to emotional recovery through her poetic endeavors. Established in 1997, this annual honor has been bestowed upon notable individuals and organizations such as John Legend, Herbie Hancock, Kerry Washington, Gloria Estefan, The Actors Fund, and the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.