Acclaimed poet delivers “Proof” honoring working people and democratic vision
Nationally Acclaimed Poet Selected to Mark Historic Mayoral Moment
Pulitzer Prize finalist Cornelius Eady has been selected to serve as the inaugural poet for Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration on January 1, 2026. Eady will deliver an original poem titled “Proof” during the public inauguration ceremony on the steps of City Hall, continuing a distinguished tradition of featuring poets at significant civic moments that mark historical turning points. The last New York City mayoral inauguration to include a poet was Mayor Bill de Blasio’s in 2014, when youth poet laureate Ramya Ramana read a poem titled “New York City.”
A Poet of Power, Responsibility, and Forgotten People
Eady’s selection reflects Mamdani’s commitment to centering voices and perspectives of ordinary New Yorkers and those historically excluded from power. Senior Adviser Zara Rahim explained the selection process: “We found in reading each and every poem that he was consistently exploring power, responsibility, and the interior lives of the very people who we were speaking to during the course of the campaign.” This focus aligns perfectly with Mamdani’s campaign message emphasizing the needs of marginalized and working-class New Yorkers. Mamdani said that Eady doesn’t just write beautiful poems but has the “rare gift” of telling the truth about the world.
The Title and Meaning of “Proof”
Eady titled the original poem he is writing for the inauguration “Proof,” a word choice that carries multiple meanings and implications. The title could reference proof of concept, validation of ideas, or evidence of change and transformation. Eady described his poem as a “public poem” — a tribute to people that New Yorkers don’t see, individuals whose concerns and ideas were not being heard by city leaders. This focus on visibility and recognition for overlooked New Yorkers resonates with Mamdani’s campaign platform.
Eady’s Literary Accomplishments and National Recognition
Born in 1954 in Rochester, New York, Eady is an accomplished poet and playwright with numerous critically acclaimed collections of poetry. His book “Brutal Imagination” was a finalist for the 2001 National Book Award in poetry, putting him among America’s most accomplished living poets. Earlier collections including “The Gathering of My Name” (1991) was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, while “Victims of the Latest Dance Craze” won the Academy of American Poets’ Lamont Poetry Prize in 1985. In 2023, Eady received the prestigious Pegasus Award for Service in Poetry, and in 2024 received Furious Flower’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing his contributions to African American literary culture.
Founder of Cave Canem Supporting Black Poets
Beyond his individual literary work, Eady co-founded the Cave Canem Foundation in 1996 with poet Toi Derricotte. Visit Cave Canem Foundation to learn more. Cave Canem is a nonprofit organization serving Black poets through summer retreats, regional workshops, first-book prizes, annual anthologies, and events and readings across the country. This work demonstrates Eady’s commitment to supporting and amplifying the voices of poets from underrepresented backgrounds and building literary community.
Musical and Blues Influences in Poetry and Cultural Expression
Much of Eady’s work draws heavily from jazz, blues, and rock music traditions. His poetry often features the language and rhythms found in American music, connecting literary art to cultural forms rooted in African American experience and working-class life. This musical quality in his work, combined with his focus on race, family, and urban life, creates accessibility and emotional resonance. He also performs with his literary band Rough Magic, extending his artistic expression across multiple mediums and reaching broader audiences.
Research and Inspiration for the Inaugural Poem
In researching and writing the inaugural poem, Eady came across a speech Mamdani delivered at a campaign rally in Washington Heights in October. The speech, titled “Our Time is Now,” included Mamdani’s statement that billionaires perceive his campaign as an existential threat and that he admits they are right. Eady described this moment as a “total rock star moment” that exemplified what he admires about Mamdani’s political approach and willingness to name power dynamics openly.
Drawing on Presidential Inaugural Poetry Tradition
In preparing to write the inaugural poem, Eady drew inspiration from Elizabeth Alexander’s “Praise Song for the Day,” delivered at Barack Obama’s 2009 presidential inauguration. Alexander, president of the Mellon Foundation, consulted with Mamdani’s transition team about the choice of Eady. She compared his work to Walt Whitman’s poetry, noting that Eady creates “a poetry of inclusivity, a poetry of the streets, a poetry that aims to listen for and bring in many different voices.” Learn more about American poetry at the Academy of American Poets and explore poetry’s civic role at the Poetry Foundation.
Themes of Love, Dignity, and Resilience in Face of Injustice
One of Eady’s well-known poems, “Gratitude,” explores themes of constantly being underestimated as a Black man in America while being unable to sustain rage, responding instead to insults with love. This thematic focus on dignity, resilience, and love amid systemic injustice aligns with Mamdani’s campaign message about building a city where all people are valued and seen.
