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Delaware Division of the Arts

Meet the Delaware Poets Laureate

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Representative Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha

Representative Chukwuocha is a lifelong Wilmingtonian. A former Wilmington City Councilman; where he served as President Pro Tempore and Chaired the Education, Youth and Families and was Vice Chair for the Finance and Economic Development Committees.

Representative Chukwuocha is also a community-based master social worker with over 30 years of direct service and administrative experience working with and on behalf of youth, families and communities.

Representative Chukwuocha is a veteran who proudly served in the United States Army.

Representative Chukwuocha mentors youth and coaches youth football and baseball.

Portrait of a smiling man with short locs and a beard, wearing a dark suit, blue shirt, patterned tie, and circular lapel pin. He stands against a dark background dotted with soft golden lights, creating a warm, formal portrait.

Albert Mills

Al Mills is a community-based social worker deeply rooted in the juvenile justice system. Mills has designed and led organizations that provide services for delinquent youth and their families.

As a therapist, he serves New Castle County Delaware’s Multisystemic Therapy Services. Mills is a certified A.R.T. therapist, and takes pride in his efforts to utilize art as a tool for foundational change in youth, families, communities, and our society.

A cofounder of G.O.A.L.S., and S.Y.A.-Tutoring and Mentoring Programs in Wilmington, Mills is also an honored army veteran who served in Iraq and speaks about his struggles with PTSD as a result of the war.

Advocates for Poetry

As the Poets Laureate for Delaware, the Twin Poets have been strong advocates for poetry throughout the state by:

  • Incorporating poetry/spoken word and creative writing programming into schools, libraries and community centers.
  • Introducing poetry as a tool for transformation within youth detention centers and adult correctional facilities.
  • Utilizing the poetic art form to strengthen the healing and support process for veterans, especially those suffering from PTSD.
  • Taking poetry/spoken word and creative writing into communities of need to assist with addressing gun violence.

Awards and Achievements

The Twin Poets have won many awards for their work including: The Mitchell Awards (2023), Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellows (2020), Wilmington Urban League MLK Award (2014), Village Award from the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families (2006), Bank of America’s Local Heroes Award (2006), Citizens of the Year from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (2006), Christi Award for Community Service through the Arts (2005), Mentors of the Year from the City of Wilmington (1998), The Mayors Award for Service to Children (1997), and Outstanding Young Wilmingtonian Award for Community Service (1997).

The Twin Poets have also been featured on the Peabody Award-winning HBO program Def Poetry, BET’s Lyric Café, and NPR’s Poetic License, and they are the subject of a Hearts and Minds Films documentary called Why I Write. They have toured nationally and internationally, most recently with the Poetically Incorrect Tour.

The Twin Poets have authored several poetry books and have been included in many anthologies. Their latest work, a children’s book entitled Homework For Breakfast, is illustrated by Robyn Phillips-Pendleton and is scheduled for release in 2016 (Mariposa Ranch Press).

Photos by Joe del Tufo, Moonloop Photography