Everett Hoagland 1942 - 2025

Everett Hoagland, photo taken February, 2024, by Maggie Howland

Everett Henry Hoagland III, 82 of New Bedford, MA passed away peacefully on July 5th, 2025, surrounded by family. Everett was born in Philadelphia, PA on December 18th, 1942, to Estelle and Everett Hoagland II.

Everett embarked on his literally career while attending Lincoln University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1963, and continuing to serve as Director of Admissions. He remained in Philadelphia for several years teaching English and Adult Literature at multiple public schools. He later attended Brown University on a fellowship where he obtained his Master of Arts in 1973. Shortly after graduating, Everett began working at SMU/UMass Dartmouth as a professor of English and African American studies, where he taught for over 30 years.

Everett planted roots in New Bedford, MA. Under the mentorship of Langston Hughes’ work, Everett became the city’s first poet laureate from 1994-1998. His work led several other prominent figures within the literary world to discover the rich history of New Bedford, including Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, Sonia Sanchez, among others. Maya Angelou described him as, “someone who cares and someone who comprehends”.

Everett has been described as one of the finest African American poets of the late 20^th century, whose global work contributed significantly to the Black Arts Movement. His work has been widely praised as a courageous voice for both the American and African American experience, receiving various awards including the Gwendolyn Brooks Award, 2023 American Book Award, Langston Hughes Society Award, Award for Outstanding Achievement in Poetry from the American Literature Association’s Society for African American Literature and Culture, and many others.

Everett was preceded by his parents Estelle and Everett Hoagland II. He is survived by his son, Kamal Hoagland, and his daughters, Nia and Ayan Hoagland, Reza Andrade, Kita Williams, and Toni Foreman; his grandchildren, Ryland Roderick, Kai Bowman, Christopher Hoagland, Travis Andrade, and Kayla Williams; his sister, Phyllis Hoagland Allen, and brother, John Hoagland; 3 nieces and 1 nephew.

In addition to his writing, Everett Hoagland will be remembered for his unremitting activism, his involvement with social justice, and his mentorship to many. Everett’s legacy will continue to leave an eternal impression on our city and our world.

The celebration of life ceremony will be held at the First Unitarian Church of New Bedford on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 5 PM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the New Bedford Historical Society.

For questions about the service, please contact Ryland Roderick at Ryland1223@gmail.com.