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Jewel Rodgers is an American poet and Poet Laureate of Nebraska. She is the first African American to fill the role. Rodgers lives in Omaha.

At the announcement of her selection in January 2025 as the state's official poet, Rodgers performed a spoken-word poem titled "Humble" at the Nebraska Capitol. Governor Jim Pillen selected Rodgers from among the nominees after hearing her recite poetry. Rodgers said she intends to use the role as poet laureate to encourage young people to read, to make poetry accessible to all Nebraskans, and to promote other Nebraska authors and artists.

Rogers appeared in the event "100 Years | 100 Women" at the Park Avenue Armory, an exhibition marking the anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

She works as a teaching artist with the Nebraska Writers Collective. Rodgers runs a group that seeks to create community spaces on vacant lots in North Omaha. She attended University of Nebraska-Lincoln and New York University. Her father is football player Johnny Rodgers.

References

1. ^ Sanderford, Aaron (January 6, 2025). "Nebraska's next state poet is a Jewel, first African American to fill role". Nebraska Examiner.
2. Beach, Brian (January 6, 2025). "Jewel Rodgers named Nebraska State Poet". Nebraska Public Media.
3. Ozaki, Andrew (January 7, 2025). "Jewel Rodgers appointed as first African American Nebraska poet laureate". KETV 7 ABC Omaha.
4. Kulhanek, Shelly (January 7, 2025). "Jewel Rodgers, Heisman winner Johnny Rodgers' daughter, named Nebraska State Poet". York News-Times.
5. "100 Years, 100 Women". Park Avenue Armory.
6. "Jewel Rodgers on Community-Focused Real Estate Development". KIOS NPR. September 18, 2023.

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