On August 18, 2021, New York Book Forum President JANET MCCARTHY GRIMM was joined by DR. CAMEA DAVIS, director of the National Youth Poet Laureate Program, an initiative of URBAN WORD.

In addition to an illuminating talk, we were graced with special guest performances by MEERA DASGUPTA—the 2020 National Youth Poet Laureate—and SERENA YANG—the 2021 NYC Youth Poet Laureate—two of today's top youth poets!

From the Urban Word website: Urban Word elevates youth voices as leaders at the intersection of the literary arts and civic engagement. Through the transformative power of the written and spoken word, Urban Word provides young, creative voices, often those that are marginalized, the tools, training, and platforms to rewrite the narratives that shape their lives and to own their agency in directing the future of their communities.

Headquartered in New York City, Urban Word annually serves more than 25,000 NYC youth between the ages of 13 and 19 through its local and school- based programming efforts, and more than 25,000 youth through its national programs including the National Youth Poet Laureate Program, its signature model for youth poetry and civic engagement replicated in communities across the country.

The New York City Youth Poet Laureate Program aims to identify young writers and leaders committed to creating change through civic engagement and poetic excellence.

Dr. Davis is a critical qualitative researcher, poet, and educator with a heart for urban youth and communities. She earned her doctorate in educational policy studies with minors in curriculum and instruction and educational technology from Ball State University. She currently works as an assistant research faculty at Georgia State University in the Department of Middle and Secondary Education. Her research interests include poetic inquiry, critical ethnography, culturally responsive teacher education, and youth activism.

Watch the recording of this virtual program on YouTube here.