Minnesota's recognition of National Poetry Month in April includes a big announcement as part of continued work to get more young people involved.
Under a designation from the Legislature, the Minnesota Humanities Center is leading efforts to establish the role of a state youth poet laureate. The inaugural selection will be announced April 25 with Minnesota joining a national framework for highlighting teens and young adults who stand out in the world of literary art.
Gwen Nell Westerman, Minnesota's poet laureate for all age groups, reflecting on the initiative's timing, said poetry as a form of expression gives young people another way to channel their feelings about current events.
"We've got to find places in there where we can relate to each other and have an outlet for joy and for grief," Westerman underscored.
In carving out a vision for the new program, a 12-member committee composed of poets, educators, publishers, mentors and current laureates, including Westerman are working together. Officials said they're elevating work already being done with the goal of developing a model that's sustainable beyond the first year. In January, national youth poet laureate Amanda Gorman penned poems in honor of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
Major social and political actions are galvanizing grassroots movements in Minnesota and around the country, with questions arising about where Gen Z's voice fits in.
Corey China, humanities officer at the Minnesota Humanities Center, said it is a positive the state already has an ecosystem for youth poetry, and this project can help reach areas where voiced need amplifying.
"Poetry has shown just how connecting and healing it can be for our community," China observed. "Particularly as we weather a lot of different things, so we would like to see a statewide effort come together to support these young people."
For people who have never shown great interest in poetry but are curious about learning more, Westerman stressed such efforts show how relatable it can be.
"The lyrics of their favorite songs are poetry," Westerman pointed out. "And poetry is around them every day, everywhere. It's just a matter of them recognizing it."
