Nigerian-born poet Daniel Umemezie has been named the United States National Youth Poet Laureate, becoming one of the programme’s recognised young literary voices.
The 18-year-old was selected in April from hundreds of applicants, including local poets laureate from across the United States.
Umemezie attends Cedar Falls High School in Iowa, where he is also a homecoming king, two-sport athlete and entrepreneur.
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Reacting to the honour, Umemezie said he was “still relatively shell-shocked”, describing the recognition as “a mixture of excitement and honour.”
Born in Nigeria, Umemezie developed an early interest in the arts and has played nine musical instruments, including the piano and drums. He has also explored drawing, painting, knitting and architecture.
- He said “his interest in words developed during childhood, when he would read his preacher father’s dictionary because, as he put it, “it had pictures in it”.
Umemezie’s poetry often explores memory and identity, particularly his experience of living between two cultures.
In his poem, “I Come From Two Nigerians,” he reflects on his Nigerian heritage and experiences of life in the country.
Umemezie sees poetry as a means of promoting social change and encouraging greater recognition of young people’s voices.
“I want a sea change in society where youth are taken seriously,” he said.
He added that poetry gives young people the freedom to express themselves and address issues affecting society.
The National Youth Poet Laureate programme, now in its 10th year, recognises young writers whose work promotes creativity, civic engagement and social change.
PBS
