Minnesota Aims to Bring Youth Poetry to New Heights With Novel Role

(Adobe Stock via Minnesota News Connection)

(By Mike Moen. Minnesota News Connection) – 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 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.