Diane Wilbon Parks

Diane Wilbon Parks is an accomplished poet, leader, advocate, role model and visionary in the Arts and Poetry Community of Prince George’s County, and beyond. Diane is the author of 2 poetry collections, a small chapbook and a children’s book. Her poems have been included in anthologies, online articles and newsletters; her poems continue to be a staple as part of the Prince George’s County Poetry Poster Project, established by Dr. Hiram Larew. Diane received the honor of having her poem, “Live Like a Monarch” and artwork included as a permanent installation and sign in the Monarch Butterfly Gardens at the Patuxent Research Refuge at the North Tract, in Laurel, Maryland. Her years of volunteerism to the world of poetry have been extensive, highly commendable, and demonstrable through her dedication to lead and support the Arts and Poetry communities in Prince George’s County, as well as, the DMV.

As a visionary and leader, Diane saw a critical need to assemble a group of culturally diverse poets who were accomplished in their own poetic style and distinctive voices. Diane is the founder of the “Write Blend” poetry ensemble. Having been featured at many readings, attending readings throughout the DMV and Open Mics, Diane began to see a pattern of featured/open mics poets and audiences who were not largely diverse. It was then that this Prince George’s County Poet had the strong desire to affect change by assembling 5 other culturally, poetically and artistically diverse poets, three of whom are from Prince George’s County, who could in fact, change the landscape of audiences throughout the DMV. The Write Blend Poets have published a new anthology of poetry, which will be available, the last week of April 2020 and is entitled, “The Write Blend”.

From poetry workshops, readings and gatherings at her home to tea parties, soup socials, to art displayed and featured in Prince George’s County’s Metro Building 3, Oxon Hill Library, Huntington Community Center, CAAPA event, to petitioning for the office of the Prince George’s County Poet Laureate, to working with and inspiring other poets and artists, Diane has been an advocate and integral part of the Poetry and Arts Community in Prince George’s County.

Diane Wilbon Parks is a visual poet; a serious writer who has the unique ability to paint words; as in her poem, “The Voice of Hunger” a visual representation of pain caused by hunger; this poem received an honorable mention for the Poetry xHunger Project in 2018. Diane along with 3 other distinguished poets brought awareness, life, and voice to the enslaved - Voices of Woodlawn. Diane continues to expand her gifts as a poet and artist and is looking forward to opportunities to collaborate with the Veteran Community in Prince Georges County, and beyond, as a USAF Veteran, Poet. Diane is multi-talented poet and artist and should be recognized as a Poet of Excellence.