Poet Laureate Honey Bell-Bey to receive Citizens Artist Award from the United States Conference of Mayors and the Americans for the Arts

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – On January 19, 2024, Cuyahoga County Poet Laureate Honey Bell-Bey will be the recipient of the Citizens Artist Award from the United States Conference of Mayors and the Americans for the Arts. The award recognizes artists who have made the highest contribution both in their professional artistic endeavors to advance the arts as well as in their personal charitable pursuits to improve the world.

Honey Bell-Bey will be recognized for her outstanding service and activism utilizing poetry as a tool to unite communities around the issues of social justice and equity. Over 500 mayors and members of the arts community are expected to attend this event.

Ms. Bell-Bey states that she is “humbled and grateful for this esteemed award”. Her passion has been to assist with emotional recovery.

This prestigious award has been given out yearly since 1997. Previous persons and organizations that have received this award include John Legend, Herbie Hancock, Kerry Washington, Gloria Estefan, The Actors Fund and New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.

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

Cuyahoga County extends a heartful congratulations and wishes Ms. Honey Bell-Bey much success in her work. She has been engaged in this work for over 25 years. Her tirelessly creative work is recognized and appreciated.