The Free Library of Philadelphia is pleased to announce the 2024–25 Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate: Malaya Ulan, a junior at Science Leadership Academy at Beeber! She was selected from a competitive pool of applicants by the Poet Laureate Governing Committee and will succeed Oyewumi Oyeniyi, who served as the 2023–24 Youth Poet Laureate.

Malaya Ulan (meaning "Freedom Rain") is a 16-year-old Filipino-American Philadelphia-based artivist. Malaya is a multidimensional poet who merges her poetry with dance, film, and visual art. She 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. She collaborates with her mother in a collective, AniMalayaWorks. She 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.

“When I was younger, I watched videos of youths poet laureate in English class, never imagining that I would become a Youth Poet Laureate of Philadelphia. Poetry is incredibly important to me; it has always been a portal to healing, a connection to my ancestors, and a form of resistance. 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, filmmaker, and to bring together my fellow teens in the powerful act of radical poetry writing.”

During her Laureate year, Malaya will be an ambassador for poetry around the city through readings and workshops.

The City of Philadelphia’s Poet Laureate program has been stewarded by the Free Library since the fall of 2017. The Poet Laureate is a civic position that recognizes an exceptional poet who also demonstrates a commitment to the power of poetry to engage and inspire people throughout Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. In addition to the Poet Laureate position, the program also supports a new Youth Poet Laureate each year — an honor that comes with an educational scholarship. The Poet Laureate mentors the Youth Poet Laureate, who represents the voice of Philadelphia’s young poets. Both poets engage with Philadelphia citizens through readings, events, and a special project of their choosing.

For more on the Youth Poet Laureate Program, check out this video featuring several former Youths Poet Laureate of Philadelphia. To explore the possibility of working with Malaya for a project or event, please email poetlaureate@freelibrary.org and be sure to include whether an honorarium will be made available.