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Poet Laureate Hank Stewart will address the Class of 2022 at Georgia Gwinnett College’s (GGC) spring commencement ceremony at 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 11, at Gas South Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. This is the first time a poet laureate has addressed a GGC graduating class.

An award-winning and bestselling poet, author and activist, Stewart has produced five poetry books, six CDs, a DVD and a coffee table book commemorating his career. The DeKalb resident has spent more than 25 years as an artist, has interacted with well-known civil rights advocates and has recited his work to civil rights movement icon Rosa Parks, and former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Stewart co-founded The Stewart Foundation, a youth leadership-development organization that works to promote excellence in youth programming through health and financial wellness, community service, educational and social programs.

Stewart was declared Poet Laureate for Georgia’s 4th Congressional District by Congressman Hank Johnson in 2016.

Along with Stewart, the Class of 2022 will hear from commencement student speaker Eric Thomas, Jr., 25, of Norcross. Thomas, who identifies with they/them/their pronouns, will outline their journey to GGC as well as their college experience.

Thomas will join more than 650 graduating seniors at commencement.