The time has come to select the 2020 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate!
The Oakland Youth Poet Laureate program is an unprecedented citywide effort to celebrate literacy through poetry and connect young writers to far-reaching opportunities. Each year we accept applications from talented Oakland writers (ages 13-18) to join a community of young poets. The Laureate earns an educational scholarship, funded by the Friends of the Oakland Public Library. The Laureate will, and all the Finalists are invited to, serve as ambassadors for literacy, arts and youth expression with ongoing opportunities for performances, projects, and peer support. Starting in 2020, every applicant will be invited to stay in connection with the OYPL community.
We’re excited to have this program run as usual in the midst of uncertainty. Oakland has incredible wealth of young talent.
Meet this year's six fantastic finalists.
Greer Nakadegawa-Lee, age 15
Hunter Jackson, age 14
Jordan Tisnado, age 18
Siara Edmond, age 15
Chiana Griswa, age 16
Michelle Arango, age 17
Watch the final performances LIVE on Friday, June 5 at 7 PM on the Oakland Youth Poet Laureate Facebook page*. Hear poetry from all of the finalists and find out who will be the 2020 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate!
*You do not need a Facebook account to attend.