Kara Jackson is an award-winning poet, singer-songwriter, and producer from Oak Park, Illinois (Chicago). She is the 2019 National Youth Poet Laureate, and Youth Poet Laureate of Chicago (2018). Kara released her debut album Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love? in April 2023. Kara is also the author of the poetry book Bloodstone Cowboy. Kara’s music and writing are inspired by the American South and her experiences growing up in Chicago. Kara’s album has garnered support from the likes of Pitchfork, NPR, CRACK Magazine, Rolling Stone, The Needle Drop, Pigeons & Planes and more.