LANSING, MI —A poetry reading by Suban Nur Cooley, Lansing Poet Laureate and Assistant Professor in the Department of African American / African Studies at Michigan State University will launch the 2026 Fall Season of the Copper Chimney Lounge Poetry Series on Sunday, September 27, 4 PM, at the University United Methodist Church (UUMC), 1120 South Harrison Rd., East Lansing — just across from MSU and directly north of the Trowbridge Shopping Center.
A storyteller and communications professional, Nur Cooley has more than a decade of experience creating and supporting poetry spaces in greater Lansing. She is a strong believer in poetry’s ability to connect people and communities and is embedded in the poetry scene around
the region.
“I am deeply honored and excited to serve greater Lansing as its next poet laureate, not only because I love the written word but also because I deeply love this community,” Nur Cooley said. “Lansing has long shaped my personal voice and journey, and serving as poet laureate
allows me to offer up that voice back to the city, connecting and conversing with others about what makes it so special: its people.”
An Open Mic will follow the Nur Cooley’s reading. Attendees who would like to share a poem are invited to throw their names in a basket at the Gate Table.
The event is open to the public. Donations to support the series are greatly appreciated. Free parking is available behind the church.
The Copper Chimney Lounge Poetry Series is sponsored by the Lansing Poetry Club.
