Projects, Poems, Performances, and Much Much More
The Oakland Youth Poet Laureate poets have accomplished so much. This community of amazing teens have shared their talents with Oaklanders of all ages, and with people from far beyond Oakland.
Please celebrate their words, their truths, their stories, and all that they've accomplished.
Oakland Youth Poet Laureate poets have opportunities to perform, speak, host poetry workshops, plan projects, and share their truths in so many ways. Here's some of what they've done.
OYPL Poems, Interviews, and Other Work
We Love Oakland - Nairobi Barnes
2023 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate, Nairobi Barnes, featured on Akonadi Foundation's We Love Oakland series.
Ella Gordon featured on Inside OUSD
Inside OUSD with 2024 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate, Ella Gordon. Interview and performance.
Nairobi Barnes, C2C Policy Conference, March 2024
Nairobi Barnes, 2023 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate, performs at the C2C Impact Engine's Policy Conference in March, 2024.
Ella Gordon, Special Oakland City Council Meeting, May 2024
Ella Gordon, 2023 and 2024 OYPL Finalist performs at an Oakland City Council Meeting, May 2024.
We Love Oakland - Nairobi Barnes
2023 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate, Nairobi Barnes, featured on Akonadi Foundation's We Love Oakland series.
Ella Gordon featured on Inside OUSD
Inside OUSD with 2024 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate, Ella Gordon. Interview and performance.
Nairobi Barnes, C2C Policy Conference, March 2024
Nairobi Barnes, 2023 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate, performs at the C2C Impact Engine's Policy Conference in March, 2024.
Ella Gordon, Special Oakland City Council Meeting, May 2024
Ella Gordon, 2023 and 2024 OYPL Finalist performs at an Oakland City Council Meeting, May 2024.
OYPL Projects
Poetry Pen Pals
Share a poem. Read a poem. Connect. A project from Ella Gordon, Oakland's 2024 Youth Poet Laureate.
OYPL Poets and the de Young Museum
OYPL poets, wth the de Young Museum, created resources for youth to explore how artist Kehinde Wiley’s message connects to their lives.
Oakland Youth Poet Laureate Playlist
YouTube playlist featuring videos from the Oakland Youth Poet Laureate program.
Poetry Pen Pals
Share a poem. Read a poem. Connect. A project from Ella Gordon, Oakland's 2024 Youth Poet Laureate.
OYPL Poets and the de Young Museum
OYPL poets, wth the de Young Museum, created resources for youth to explore how artist Kehinde Wiley’s message connects to their lives.
Oakland Youth Poet Laureate Playlist
YouTube playlist featuring videos from the Oakland Youth Poet Laureate program.
