Mobile Poet Laureate Named

The Mobile Arts Council, in partnership with the City of Mobile and Alabama State Council on the Arts, has announced the appointment of Alex Lofton, known throughout the community as “Huggy Bear da Poet,” as Mobile’s 2026–2027 poet laureate. The Poet Laureate program celebrates the power of poetry to uplift, connect and inspire the people of Mobile. As an ambassador for the literary arts, the poet laureate will use the written and spoken word to deepen community engagement, promote creative expression and celebrate the cultural vibrancy of the city. Lofton refined his voice and passion for the arts at John L. Leflore Magnet High School. For more than 20 years, he has authored, performed, educated and advocated through poetry. His mission has remained constant: to use poems as a bridge to unite people across racial, social and political divides, empower young people and strengthen the fabric of the community.