2023 Youth Poet Laureate of Washington, DC Featured in Interview with Academy Director of Poetry
Sophia Hall, the 2023 Youth Poet Laureate of Washington, DC, is featured in this interview on the WPFW 89.3 radio show "Something to Say" with Academy Director of Poetry Patrick Washington. The two discuss Hall's life, studies, creative projects and poetry.
The 2023 Youth Poet Laureate of Washington, DC is not just a poet, but a multidisciplinary artist with a passion for the English language and consumer psychology.
In this interview, the Youth Poet Laureate of Washington, DC, Sophia Hall, joined the conversation from her dorm room in Philadelphia. As a freshman at UPenn, she is studying English and intends to minor in consumer psychology. "I'm studying English, and I want a minor in consumer psychology as well," she said.
Apart from her studies, Sophia is involved in various creative projects. One of these is the Anthems Youth Poetry Project, in collaboration with 16 Rivers Press and Rytopia Lab. Sophia hosted a workshop where she educated 25 teens about response poetry using the works of the current US Poet Laureate, Ada Limone. "I taught them using the poems of Ada Limone... I had all of these teens look through other poems about America and choose one to respond to," she shared.
The outcome of the workshop was the creation of a chat book of ten poems, titled "Our Own Light." Scheduled to be released in January 2024, the anthology focuses on themes of hope, resistance, and resilience. Sophia's dedication to inspiring and educating young poets is evident in her endeavors.
Sophia Hall is challenging traditional American symbols with her poetry.
Sophia used her time in New York City as inspiration for her piece, "Multiple Choice Liberty." Intrigued by the Statue of Liberty, she began to question the meaning behind the statue's iconic torch. "I kind of want to invert them," she said, speaking of traditional American symbols. "Why is there only one national anthem? Everybody has an anthem that's specific to them. And for Liberty, it's like she's known for being this statue that is this omnipresent figure always with a torch in hand. But what is that torch being used for? What is it actually lighting? Is it doing harm? Is it doing good?"
By asking these thought-provoking questions, Sophia challenges listeners to reevaluate their understanding of American symbols. This approach makes her work not only intriguing but also highly relevant in today's socio-political climate.
Sophia Hall's mentorship and guidance is a crucial part of her success as a young poet.
Throughout the interview it became evident that Sophia Hall greatly values the mentorship and guidance she has received. She expressed her gratitude to Patrick Washington, who she described as providing crucial support during her tenure as Youth Poet Laureate. "Thank you for all of your mentorship and guidance during my laureateship," she said.
Patrick returned the sentiment, expressing his admiration for Sophia's talent and dedication. "I'm one of your biggest fans, and I look forward to supporting you in all of your projects, 2024 and beyond," he responded. This exchange highlighted the importance of mentorship in the artistic community and the significant roles mentors play in nurturing young talent.
About Sophia Hall
The candidate is Sophia Hall, the 2023 Youth Poet Laureate of Washington, DC. She is a multidisciplinary artist who is described as inspiring and exhaustingly busy. Sophia is currently a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) in Philadelphia, where she is studying English with a minor in consumer psychology. She is working on a creative project called the Anthems youth poetry project in collaboration with 16 Rivers Press and Rytopia Lab. The project involves teaching teens about response poetry and creating a chat book of ten poems, which will be published in January 2024.
About the interviewer
The interviewer is Patrick Washington, radio host for Words Beats and Life’s radio show “Something to Say” and the Director of Poetry. Previously her mentor during her time as a YPL, Washington expressed admiration for her achievements and projects. You can read more about Washington’s career as a world renowned poet in this exclusive interview.
Be a 2024 Regional Youth Poet Laureate
Our Regional Youth Poet Laureate (YPL) Program is a joint program with Urban Word NYC, with support from local government and partner organizations that aims to identify young writers and leaders who are committed to civic and community engagement, artistic excellence, human relations, youth activism, diversity and education across the region.
We are accepting applications until Nov. 30, 2023 from youth poets 13 to 19 living in Washington, DC, Montgomery County, MD and Arlington County, Virginia.
