Nzima Hutchings, Enfield’s poet laureate.
Reminder Publishing submitted photos
ENFIELD — For Nzima Hutchings, Enfield’s current poet laureate, the world of poetry is one she hopes to open up to the community at large through writing classes, shows and festivals that bring poetry to the public.
Hutchings plans to host a poetry festival at the Enfield Public Library on April 26, 2025, and already has a range of objectives that she hopes the festival will accomplish. Among them are providing a platform for the community to explore and celebrate forms of poetry, facilitating workshops to enhance people’s understanding and skills in poetry writing, fostering collaboration between poetry and other artistic mediums, promoting community engagement and showcasing local talent.
“Enfield’s Annual Family Poetry Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of poetry, creativity and community spirit,” shared Hutchings. “With an array of workshops, activities and vendors, we aim to inspire and engage participants of all ages and backgrounds, enriching the cultural tapestry of our community.”
The festival currently has 25 spaces available for local artisans and businesses to showcase poetry-related crafts and products. The event will also feature workshops and panel discussions focused on poetry.
Hutchings, who began serving as poet laureate in 2023 and will continue until 2025, is a bestselling author and award-winning poet. With a strong commitment to the arts and education, she’s had a wide range of teaching roles at Wheeler Clinic, Mount Holyoke College and Wesleyan University, among others.
In addition, Hutchings hosts and curates Nzima’s Poetry Café Show in Cox Public Access and uses the Amherst Writers and Artists method to support women in publishing their narratives. She also founded Hartford’s Literary Integrated Trailblazers and the Hartford Book Festival and serves on the Enfield Cultural Arts Commission and as a Cultural Literary Arts Advisor for the Ujima African American Alliance. Hutchings’ future plans include launching a weekly writing room and a book series featuring poetry and mermaids.
Hutchings is a two-time recipient of the Independent Artist Grant and has also received the 100 Women of Color Award and the I Am Women Award. She facilitates writing and poetry workshops advocating for self-acceptance and personal growth.
As Enfield’s poet laureate, Hutchings has represented the town at Yale University’s Martin Luther King Jr. celebration as a poetry slam judge, attended the annual Christmas tree lighting, Pride gatherings and Juneteenth celebrations and hosted open mic events, readings and poetry workshops at Barnes & Noble.
