Poet

Jillian Hanesworth is Buffalo’s former and founding poet laureate. Born on the East side, she began writing at age 7, composing songs for her mother's church performances. Through her art, she challenges, validates, and educates her community. Jillian founded Buffalo Books, a nationally recognized literacy access program that has allowed for the placement of 30+ library boxes on the East Side of Buffalo and provided over 1,000 free, and brand new culturally relevant books to residents of Buffalo. In 2024 Jillian was the recipient of a national Sports Emmy in the Dick Schaap Outstanding Writing category for her ”Still Here” collaboration with the NFL Network, poetically documenting the pain, trauma and resilience of the City of Buffalo. Currently, she sits on the board of directors for Compass House and IIUTU Media in addition to traveling nationwide writing, performing, teaching, and speaking truth to power, all in the name of love for her people.