Meet Birmingham’s First Poet Laureate, Salaam Green
Salaam Green believes that the South has something to say. As BHAM’s inaugural Poet Laureate, Salaam reminds Southerners that “our greatest power lies in the stories we carry and the dreams we dare to speak aloud.” Get to know this inspiring FACE of the South! Image: Facebook / Alabama Holocaust Education Center
Born and raised deep in Alabama’s Black Belt, Salaam Green‘s roots are essential to her identity. “I love rurality and rural Alabama is in my bones,” Salaam tells us. Despite discovering her love for writing poetry later in life, Salaam’s devotion to careful listening, truth-telling, and the healing power of the arts established her as a defining voice of Birmingham. As her extended tenure as the city’s inaugural Poet Laureate comes to a close, we spoke with Salaam about her inspiring life’s work, her Southern heritage, and the powerful legacy she leaves behind.
You didn’t find your calling as a poet until later in life. What led you down that road?
As a child, I remember writing and journaling in my diary under the big oak tree in my front yard. I have always been fascinated by books and writing, but never explored writing beyond my English degree in undergrad until my 40s. So, as a creative artist, I am a late bloomer and perhaps an accidental poet.
My graduate degree is in education, and my career (in that field) spanned many years. After depression, burnout, and a divorce, I found a connection in a local writing group in Birmingham. There I began to write, and poetry rose to the top.
How would you describe your experience as Birmingham’s inaugural Poet Laureate?
It has been an honor and very rewarding. I have enjoyed connecting with people of all ages, including those who haven’t considered themselves poets or artists. I am proud of each citizen and the city of Birmingham for taking a chance on a civic poet nomination. I am especially excited for the future of the program and what’s to come beyond the inaugural tenure.
One very special highlight for me was the compilation of Birmingham’s first poetry anthology, called Lyrics for Life. Made possible through a grant from the Academy of American Poets, it represents poems from international voices of Birmingham, young and old. We also launched the Birmingham Poets Fellow program, which gave emerging and longtime poets a paid opportunity to work with local libraries across the 99 neighborhoods throughout the city.
Your book, The Other Revival, has been highly praised. What can you tell us about that collection?
The Other Revival is a story of homecoming. This collection of poems revolves around a house built in Harpersville, Alabama, in 1841. Thirty-nine people enslaved by Samuel Wallace, the owner of the property, constructed the house and worked the land. For generations, the house remained in the Wallace family and is now a reconciliation center where Black, white, and mixed-race descendants come together.
I interviewed Black and white descendants and wrote custom poems as a racial healer, Certified Listener Poet, and Writing to Heal Facilitator. I used my background in these areas to support the project and community storytelling. The Other Revival is a poetic journey to one rural place that is a crossroads of racial, economic, and enslavement heritage. It is an elegy and a blessing.
You travel for speaking engagements throughout the country. Can you tell us about your speech to the United Nations Environmental Justice Commission?
I worked as a community organizer supporting a group in the Black Belt who were fighting environmental racism. The National NAACP Environmental Justice Committee asked representatives to speak on behalf of citizens facing coal ash and water/sewage issues in rural Alabama. As an organizer, I spoke at the United Nations with other women across the nation whose rural communities were facing environmental injustice.
What’s one thing you want the rest of the country (and the world) to know about Southern writers?
Southern writers are born with story in our blood and bones. The rich tradition Southern writers inherit, invent, and tend to can be witnessed in America’s literary canon. Some of the best writers and storytellers are either bred or borrowed from the elegy of the South, which stamps the importance of the Southern voice in literature.
In this age of AI, what do you tell young poets and writers about pursuing their craft?
I think there will always be room for authentic voices. Writers and poets have a unique opportunity during the era of AI to connect with people, experiences, and their stories in ways that are meaningful and interesting. I don’t think writers should be overly concerned or worried about Al. Writers write.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Walking is my love language. Hanging with my soul-doggie Gigi on the couch relaxes me, and reading magazines — the actual paper copies — helps me unwind and grounds me. I still subscribe to magazines and travel to thrift stores and flea market sales looking for magazines. There is something about connecting with stories and images while holding the glossy paper in my hand that brings me joy. But my favorite thing to do is nap.
What are your favorite restaurants, shops, and things to do in Birmingham?
I am a homebody and an introvert. I spend so much time all over the city that when I have free time, I am at home. One of my favorite restaurants is Juniper — it feels like a Folly Magazine vibe. I love the fries and veggie plate. Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the downtown central library, Sachai Tea Company (best chai ever), Thank You Books, and the Alabama Farmers’ Market.
Who or what is inspiring you right now?
I am a Child Development Instructor, and children’s literature inspires values and imagination. I still read children’s books. I can’t get over how wonderful children’s literature is. Right now, I am especially inspired by the Maple and Willow series by Lori Nichols. I am inspired by stories and sweet images that evoke nature and the natural world.
What is your best piece of advice?
In midlife: You will never regret taking that nap! As my grandmother used to say, “Go lay down.”
To my younger self: You always have choices. Make the best decisions from the choices you have. My grandmother always taught me to believe in my intuitive wisdom.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Last delicious local meal: Beef rib with biscuits and Brussels from Helen.
Favorite place to vacation: Anywhere. All I need is a luxury hotel, room service, and exclusive hotel accommodations. For me, the best hotels with great restaurant access and beautiful aesthetics are worth the splurge.
Your go-to gift to give: Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
Favorite recent TV show binge: Lifetime movies and anything Lifetime-esque are my binge guilty pleasures.
Book(s) on your bedside table: Original Sins by Eve L. Ewing, An Introduction to Womanist Biblical Interpretation by Nyasha Junior, Let the Poets Govern by Camonghne Felix, and a LIFE Magazine limited edition
Your can’t-live-without essentials: My soul-doggie, daily mindfulness walks in nature, Funyuns and peanut M&M’s, an oversized muumuu and comfortable shoes, and cocoa butter
This article contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.
**********
Southern women are doing inspiring work. Meet more of them over at our FACES archives!
Katie Leigh Matthews
A Birmingham native, Katie is a lifelong waterfall chaser and is passionate about the outdoors. She also loves connecting with remarkable women in the Birmingham community and bringing their stories to life. Katie has been writing professionally for over six years; you can find more of her work at Moms.com and Islands.com.
