Ezequiel Correa Selected as Long Beach’s 2025 Youth Poet Laureate
The Californer/10316154

Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - In a live ceremony held on May 17 at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library, Ezequiel Correa was named the 2025 Youth Poet Laureate (YPL) of Long Beach. Along with Correa, four Poet Ambassadors were also selected: Adele Odetta, Maddox Harris, Eden Gonzalez and Macuilquiahuitl Ixeh.

Correa's appointment as Youth Poet Laureate is a prestigious recognition of his literary talent, community engagement, and dedication to advancing equity through the arts. Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his pride in Correa's appointment, stating that "the power of youth leadership is on full display through the Youth Poet Laureate program." He also emphasized the importance of investing in young people and trusting them to lead.

Correa brings a legacy of leadership to the role, having previously worked alongside last year's cohort of Poet Ambassadors to spearhead initiatives focused on strengthening Long Beach's municipal arts capacity. Under the mentorship of poet Nancy Woo and in partnership with Long Beach Forward, a leading local social justice organization, Correa helped guide programming that centered equity, community empowerment and transformative change.

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In his acceptance speech, Correa acknowledged the leaders who came before him and spoke about Long Beach's spirit to create and explore together. He also emphasized the importance of protecting the arts as a space for all to express themselves freely.

As Youth Poet Laureate, Correa will serve a one-year term and receive a $1,500 scholarship. His responsibilities include representing Long Beach's youth at public events, leading creative workshops, and collaborating with City departments and cultural organizations to promote literary engagement and civic participation.

Library Director Cathy De Leon expressed her pride in supporting Correa and this year's cohort of Poet Ambassadors. She stated that "the Youth Poet Laureate program reflects our deep commitment to nurturing creativity, equity, and youth leadership in Long Beach."

Joining Correa in this prestigious role, the 2025 Poet Ambassadors will each receive a $500 scholarship and serve as cultural representatives and creative leaders as part of the YPL Cohort. Through spring 2026, the cohort will engage local youth in literary arts programming, receive ongoing mentorship, and work together on community-centered projects. This initiative seeks to nurture meaningful relationships with organizations and individuals throughout the city, culminating in a citywide literary celebration.

For more information about the Long Beach Public Library, individuals can call 562.570.7500 or visit the Library homepage at lbpl.org. The Youth Poet Laureate program is a testament to Long Beach's commitment to nurturing creativity, equity, and youth leadership within the community.

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