Puerto Rico Welcomes Pulitzer Prize–Nominated Poet Elizabeth Alexander

Forget revenge travel; it never truly resonated with us. This year, we're embracing reconnection travel, which has emerged as the primary motivation for travel in the post-pandemic era. After enduring a challenging few years, people are venturing into the world again, driven by genuine excitement and purpose. To explore what “reconnection” signifies for them, we spoke with 11 adventurous celebrities about their experiences, whether it's traveling solo, savoring the flavors of Italy, reuniting with old friends, honoring loved ones who’ve passed, or making that vital trip to visit mom.

Elizabeth Alexander carries significant influence—she serves as president of the Mellon Foundation, which focuses on arts, culture, and humanities, is a Pulitzer Prize–nominated poet, a former professor at both Yale and Columbia, and recited at President Obama’s inauguration in 2009. However, her mission for this year is to shine a light on the artists and creators in her next destination: Puerto Rico.

Which place beckons you to return? What draws you there?

The destination that consistently draws me back with its stunning archipelago, fascinating history, vibrant cultural traditions, and thriving artistic expressions is Puerto Rico. I can feel a profound cultural energy the moment I arrive in San Juan, a feeling that resonates deeply through the diaspora in my current home, New York City.

What place embodies home for you, even if it’s not your origin? Why?

Puerto Rico and its culture were significant to my family, who hailed from Harlem, shaping many cherished family vacations and cultural connections. It held particular meaning for my late father, who passed away in July. While I may not be from the island, every time I visit, it feels as though I am returning, rather than simply visiting.

Are you planning any trips to reconnect? If so, in what ways?

This spring, I will be traveling to Puerto Rico with my colleagues from the Mellon Foundation to connect with various organizations we support—including universities, libraries, and home art spaces. We’ll also participate in the inaugural gathering of Puerto Rican writers from across the archipelago and the diaspora. The organizations funded by Mellon in the islands have long faced significant underfunding. I take pride in our efforts to enhance and celebrate Puerto Rico’s vibrant arts, culture, and humanities ecosystem.

—Elizabeth Alexander, Pulitzer Prize-nominated poet, former professor at Yale and Columbia, and the current president of the Mellon Foundation. Her most recent book is The Trayvon Generation (Grand Central Publishing, 2022).

Discover more in our Reconnection Travel series.