Celebrating Youth Voices | Something to Say (10-29-2024)
The latest episode of the “Something to Say” podcast brought together an extraordinary lineup of youth poets, community organizers, and thought leaders to celebrate the transformative power of young voices. Hosted by Mazi Mutafa and co-hosted by Patrick Washington, this episode was a heartfelt exploration of how young poets use their craft to express emotions, address social issues, and inspire change.
The episode featured inspiring interviews and poetry readings from a remarkable group, including Donney Rose, a community organizer and wordsmith, and Dominic Painter, WBL Marketing and Communications Director. The lineup also included youth poets Elana Ernst (2022 Montgomery County Youth Poet Laureate), Sasa Aakil (2021 Montgomery County Youth Poet Laureate), Tara Prakash (2024 Montgomery County Youth Poet Laureate), Kashvi Ramani (2022 Arlington County Youth Poet Laureate), Marjan Naderi (2020 D.C. Youth Poet Laureate), and Isaac Yebio (2024 Washington D.C. Youth Poet Laureate).
Donney Rose emphasized the critical role of platforms like WPFW in amplifying young voices, stating,
"A lot of young people will not have exposure to media... if you don't have opportunities like this that exist."
He reflected on how working with youth has enriched his journey as a poet, adding,
"My growth as a writer really came when I started teaching creative writing and spoken word poetry to young people."
Listeners were captivated by the depth and insight of the poets' work. Dominic Painter remarked on the emotional complexity in their voices:
"We can experience it through them and understand just how powerful young voices can be."
Through their poetry, these young artists challenged listeners to see the world through fresh eyes, offering raw emotion and bold perspectives. As Donney Rose eloquently put it, “I want a leader who can challenge our imagination.” The episode’s powerful performances reminded us of poetry's unique ability to build bridges, spark dialogue, and inspire action.
This was more than just a podcast—it was a call to amplify youth voices everywhere and to recognize the profound potential in their words. With platforms like WPFW, the future of poetry—and change—looks bright.
Something to Say is recorded live on Washington, DC’s Radio Station WPFW 89.3 and is produced by Words Beats & Life Inc.
