City of Mobile’s Poet Laureate 2026-2027

The Mobile Arts Council (MAC), in partnership with the City of Mobile and the Alabama State Council on the Arts, is proud to announce 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 our city.

Alex Lofton’s lifelong connection to Mobile is woven through generations. Raised between the heart of Mobile, the neighborhoods of Prichard, and the red-clay hills of Citronelle, his earliest performances took place inside his grandmother’s country church. Lofton refined his voice and passion for the arts at John L. Leflore Magnet High School, where he developed the integrity, purpose, and creative drive that have shaped his career.

For more than 20 years, Huggy Bear has authored, performed, educated, and advocated through the art of poetry. His mission has remained constant: to use poems as a bridge—uniting people across racial, social, and political divides, empowering young people, and strengthening the fabric of the community.

In his own words:
“Poetry has been my fervor and my untamed zeal for over a score. It’s my vocation and chosen life mission. Despite more lucrative opportunities, my purpose has always been to author, perform, educate, and advocate for the people through the art of verse. I’ve been doing the work for the last 20 years because it was aligned with my purpose. I am honored to now serve the City of Mobile as its Poet Laureate.”

MAC and its partners are thrilled to continue this vital program and to champion the role of poetry in strengthening community bonds, celebrating local voices, and enriching our cultural landscape.