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The Free Library of Philadelphia Names Malaya Ulan 2024-2025 Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate
PHILADELPHIA — Today, the Free Library of Philadelphia named Malaya Ulan the 2024–2025 Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate, a junior at Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, and a multidimensional poet who merges poetry with dance, film, and visual art.
The Youth Poet Laureate position represents the voice of Philadelphia’s young poets and is selected by the Poet Laureate Governing Committee which is composed of poets, educators, and arts and culture organization professionals. The Youth Poet Laureate is an honor that comes with an educational scholarship and includes mentorship from the Poet Laureate, a civic position that recognizes an exceptional poet who is committed to engaging and inspiring Philadelphians through the power of poetry. Both the Poet Laureate and Youth Poet Laureate engage with Philadelphia citizens through readings, events, and a special project of their choosing.
"We are thrilled to welcome and honor Malaya Ulan, our new youth poet laureate,” said Kelly Richards, President and Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia. “Her voice captures the creativity, passion, and energy of our poetry community’s young minds. We look forward to seeing how she will inspire others and shape this generation of new poets."
Malaya Ulan is a sixteen-year-old Filipino-American Philadelphia-based artist who has performed at the Barnes Foundation, Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, Asian Arts Initiative, Painted Bride, Movement Research at Judson Dance Theatre, Festive Walk Philippines, and more. Ulan was awarded the Scholastic Art and Writing gold key for the Philadelphia region in 2023 and first place in the open category for the Youth Film Awards at WHYY for her poetic film Anthem Erased. Her poetry accompanied by paintings has been exhibited at Da Vinci Art Alliance Exhibit and Imperfect Gallery.
“Poetry is incredibly important to me; it has always been a portal to healing, a connection to my ancestors, and a form of resistance,” said Malaya Ulan. “Being not only the Youth Poet Laureate, but the Youth Poet Laureate of Philadelphia is a huge honor, considering that Philadelphia is a city that has birthed so many amazing poets. I am excited to use my creativity as an organizer, poet, dancer, and filmmaker, and to bring together my fellow teens in the powerful act of radical poetry writing.”
During her laureate year, Ulan will be an ambassador for poetry around the city through readings and workshops alongside the current Poet Laureate, Kai Davis.
“Today, we celebrate the creativity, empathy, and bravery of Philadelphia's young writers,” said Kai Davis, 2024-2025 Philadelphia Poet Laureate. “We celebrate the incredible impact this program continues to make year after year, amplifying young voices and propelling poets into brilliant futures. We celebrate with confidence that Philly's legacy is in good hands.”
To learn more about Malaya Ulan, visit her website AniMalayaWorks.
For more information, including requests for appearances by the Philadelphia Poet Laureate or Youth Poet Laureate, contact poetlaureate@freelibrary.org.
09/17/2024
Department of External Affairs, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710, FAX (215) 567-7850