FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Tarshel Beards, tbeards@oaklandlibrary.org
Oakland, CA – June 6, 2026
Isaiah Kahn, 16, has been named the 2026 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate after competing alongside five other finalists. As youth poet laureate, Kahn will receive a $5,000 college scholarship
“Isaiah is an accomplished poet and an exuberant performer with a unique ability to speak hard truths through his work with clarity and power,” said Sharon McKellar, supervising librarian for teen services at the Oakland Public Library. “As we celebrate the 15th year of this program, the second-longest-running youth poet laureate program in the nation, we are thrilled to welcome our newest participants into this ever-expanding community and excited to see what Isaiah brings to this important leadership role.”
The Oakland Youth Poet Laureate program centers the voices of Oakland teens, providing mentorship, support and a platform to share their perspectives with Oakland, the Bay Area and beyond.
The award was announced by Oakland At-Large Councilmember Rowena Brown on June 5 during a live event where all six finalists performed their work.
A rising junior at Oakland School for the Arts, Kahn will represent Oakland through poetry, media appearances and community events.
In addition to serving as the 2026 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate, Kahn is an activist, a frequent performer with Youth Speaks and a member of its SPOKES Youth Advisory Board. His writing has appeared in The Telegraph, Oakland School for the Arts’ student publication.
Kahn cites Oakland and its culture of creativity and artistic expression among the strongest influences on his work and says he is grateful for the opportunity to share his passion for writing in the city he loves.
“Poetry, especially when community is involved, makes me realize that most people are incredible if you look correctly,” Kahn said.
On being named youth poet laureate, Kahn said: “I’m honored to represent Oakland in this way because it has shaped so much of who I am. I write about my people and my city and draw inspiration from both. I couldn’t imagine writing poetry anywhere else.”
Performance by 2026 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate, Isaiah Kahn
Isabel Shen, 17, was named Oakland’s 2026 vice youth poet laureate. She was honored alongside Kahn and fellow finalists Diego Aguilar-Rivera, Lina Norris-Raman, Mia Meza and Serafina Mackintosh. Honorary finalists Lola Christ and Luan Nguyen also were recognized.
About the Oakland Youth Poet Laureate Program
Now in its 15th year, the Oakland Youth Poet Laureate program is led by Oakland Public Library Teen Services and celebrates literacy through poetry while connecting young writers with opportunities for artistic expression and community engagement. Each year, Oakland writers ages 13 to 18 are invited to submit original work for consideration as Oakland Youth Poet Laureate.
The youth poet laureate, vice youth poet laureate and all finalists are available for performances, talks and workshops. To submit a booking request, visit oaklandlibrary.org/yplbooking.
About Oakland Public Library
Oakland Public Library, a department of the City of Oakland, has served the community since 1878. The library system includes 16 neighborhood branches, the Main Library and the African American Museum and Library at Oakland. Oakland Public Library empowers all people to explore, connect and grow. For more information, visit oaklandlibrary.org.