Long Beach Youth Poets Take the Stage: 2026 Youth Poet Laureate Finals Set for May 16

Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - On May 17, 2025, the Department of Library, Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the National Youth Poet Laureate program, the Arts Council for Long Beach, Long Beach Forward, and with support from Urban Word NYC, proudly announced the selection of Ezequiel Correa as the 2025 Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate. The live ceremony was held at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library and featured a powerful recitation of Correa's literary work.

In anticipation of next year's Youth Poet Laureate program, the Department of Library, Arts and Culture is excited to present the 2026 Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate Finals Ceremony. The event will take place on Saturday, May 16 at 1 p.m. at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library.

Correa shared his thoughts on being selected as Youth Poet Laureate: "It has become an honest labor to speak in recent years, especially when many in power intend to deceive. Serving as Youth Poet Laureate has been a remarkable opportunity to help shape a world that reflects our voices. It has not only made me a stronger writer but also a more responsible human being. What begins here grows into something much larger - our world. The readings, conversations and act of creating all add up to an experience beyond words."

The 10 finalists for this year's Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate program were also announced:

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- Annali Bojorquez (she/her), a junior at Long Beach Polytechnic High School who explores identity and connection through her poetry.

- Adele Odetta (she/her), a sophomore at Long Beach Polytechnic High School whose work centers on social justice issues such as gun violence, climate change and sexual trauma.

- Ajala Sen (she/her), a junior at Long Beach Polytechnic High School who is also a Los Angeles County Youth Poet Ambassador and uses poetry and music to inspire connection, political awareness and change.

- Annalysse Sullivan (she/her), a freshman at Millikan High School who balances poetry with swimming, volunteering and playing viola. She draws inspiration from stories and everyday reflection.

- Cecelia Rogers (she/her), a freshman at Millikan High School who is a young activist using poetry to express her beliefs. She also enjoys photography and performing with her theater group.

- Eden Gonzalez (she/her), a freshman at McBride High School and current Long Beach Youth Poet Ambassador whose nationally recognized work challenges social norms and explores the human experience across genres.

- Emely Ibanez (she/her), a senior at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, first-generation student, and percussionist who uplifts community voices through her poetry.

- Kieran Lundy (he/him), a sophomore at Long Beach Polytechnic High School whose work has been published and recognized by major youth literary programs. He brings a thoughtful, literary voice to his poetry.

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- Liam "Lee" Balmeo (they/them), a junior at Millikan High School, spoken word artist, and youth advocate whose award-winning work blends poetry and service to uplift marginalized communities.

- Ruby Giles (she/her), a sophomore at Blue Ridge Academy whose work centers on disability advocacy and using poetry as protest. She amplifies marginalized voices through writing grounded in history and social justice.

The Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate program celebrates the vibrant voices of local teens who lead with language, courage, and purpose. It recognizes young writers who use poetry and spoken word as tools for civic engagement and social change, amplifying the stories and experiences of their communities.

The Youth Poet Laureate initiative was launched nationally in 2008 by Urban Word NYC and now spans over 70 cities across the country. Long Beach joined this movement in 2023, naming Claire Beeli from Wilson High School as its first Youth Poet Laureate. The outgoing 2025-26 cohort, featuring Youth Poet Laureate Ezequiel Correa and Youth Poet Ambassadors Eden Gonzalez, Macuilquiahuitl Ixeh, Adele Odetta, and Maddox Harris, has represented Long Beach through citywide workshops, public performances, and regional literary events.

The 2026 Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate Finals Ceremony is free and open to the public. RSVPs are encouraged as space is limited. Everyone is welcome to attend and support the next generation of poetic changemakers in Long Beach. For more information, visit the Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate Program website or call 562.570.7500.

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