Richard Blanco

Richard Blanco is an acclaimed Cuban-American poet, author, and public speaker, best known for his role as the fifth inaugural poet of the United States, when he read "One Today" during President Barack Obama’s second inauguration in 2013. Born in Madrid in 1968 to Cuban exiles, he and his family immigrated to the United States, where he grew up in Miami. Blanco’s poetry often explores themes of identity, culture, and belonging, drawing from his multicultural heritage. He has published several collections, including "City of a Hundred Fires" and "How to Love a Country." Blanco also teaches creative writing and participates in various literary initiatives.