PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Ypsilanti Youth Poet Laureate Program aims to identify youth writers and leaders who are committed to civic and community engagement, poetry and performance, social justice, radical inclusion and education across the region.
The Ypsi Youth Poet Laureate is a program in partnership between the Ypsilanti Arts Commission, Ypsilanti District Library and Urban Word NYC. During the months of October-December, we will accept submissions from young poets, rappers, leaders and activists from across Ypsilanti who are interested in representing Ypsilanti as the inaugural Ypsilanti Youth Poet Laureate.
A group of esteemed judges will select one teen to be honored with the title of Ypsilanti Youth Poet Laureate. All of the finalists and the Poet Laureate will be honored at the Ypsilanti Youth Poet Laureate Commencement Performance in Spring 2024 at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse.
The Ypsilanti Youth Poet Laureate and finalists will have numerous platforms to share their powerful voices and leadership at future events. We recognize that youth voices and community engagement are vital for empowering young people to effect positive changes in their communities and beyond.
Meet the Program Director!
Ciatta Tucker is the Program Director of the Ypsilanti Youth Poet Laureate Program. Ciatta is also a member of a local youth arts activism program called Staying Power, the Ann Arbor/Ypsi Youth Poetry slam champion and the runner up in the Ann Arbor Youth Poet Laureate competition in 2020. Her work centers around immigration, black girls, and the world around her. Ciatta's hobbies include reading and writing poetry, photography, watching documentaries, and music production.
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