Daemen Hosts Founding Poet Laureate

By | March 31, 2026
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African American woman standing behind a music stand holding a microphone speaking to an audienceThe Daemen University HOPE Center hosted Her Voice After Dark, a live event featuring the voices and music of influential female performers, at Daemen Hall on March 26.

Two-time Emmy-winning spoken word artist and founding Poet Laureate Emeritus of Buffalo Jillian Hanesworth opened the event by reciting her poem, “Water,” sharing a message of hope and healing.

A musician seated on a stage in front of a room full of people seated at tables listening to her performance.

“Her Voice After Dark brought our community together to celebrate the incredible talent and accomplishments of female artists, past and present,” said Tiffany Hamilton, vice president of institutional equity & belonging and HEOP director. “From the spoken words of Jillian Hanesworth, to the musical performances of faculty, staff, and students, it was a beautiful night filled with tribute, joy, and reflection.”

Male guitar player seated in a chair, playing guitar and singing into a microphoneFemale singer with long curly hair standing, singing with a male guitar player seated beside her playing the guitar.

Female singer wearing glasses with her hair pulled back performing on a stage in front of an audience