Rebroadcast of the original recording In October 1998 Lawrence Ferlinghetti became the first poet laureate of the city of San Francisco. Major Willie Brown said he got the idea during a visit to the city of Seoul, South Korea. He had been asked when the city Poet Laureate would be giving his annual talk. A decision had to be made very fast to create the office and, as City Librarian Regina Minudri said, picking Lawrence Ferlinghetti was a no-brainer. She introduced him as a literary legend, a voice of dissent, and an internationally acclaimed writer, artist, bookseller and publisher.
Mayor Willie Brown came to the reading and said a few words. Since he later became know as the gentrification mayor, it was astounding that he did not walk out on Ferlinghettiâs passionate defense of the city. Even then Ferlinghetti said that San Francisco was âundergoing a radical transformation -- from a diverse metropolis that welcomed immigrants and refugees from around the world to a homogeneous, wealthy enclave."
There are many more points of criticism in this speech - as well funny and poetic and well-reasoned ideas of restoring San Francisco. All related to Ferlinghettiâs life as poet and painter and publisher that continued for twelve more years.
Lawrence Ferlinghetti died on February 22, 2021. City Lights posted the following morning:â We are sad to announce that Lawrence Ferlinghetti, distinguished American poet, artist, and founder of City Lights Booksellers and Publishers, has died in San Francisco, California. He was 101 years old.  For over sixty years, those of us who have worked with him at City Lights have been inspired by his knowledge and love of literature, his courage in defense of the right to freedom of expression, and his vital role as an American cultural ambassador. His curiosity was unbounded and his enthusiasm was infectious, and we will miss him greatlyâ¦â Please go to citylights.com for more information and inspiration. Enjoy this re-broadcast of his Poet Laureate acceptance speech - that could have been given yesterday. And pass it on.
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