The Free Library of Philadelphia is pleased to announce the 2025–26 Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate: Rashawn Dorsey, a senior at Academy at Palumbo High School! He was selected from a competitive pool of applicants by the Poet Laureate Governing Committee and will succeed Malaya Ulan, who served as the 2024–25 Youth Poet Laureate.

Rashawn is a two-time slam poetry champion of the Philly Slam League. He has hosted and performed for numerous events, including City Hall, Alpha Phi Alpha’s Voter Registration Drive, and the Mental Health Fair Fest.

"I am beyond thankful for the opportunity of being Youth Poet Laureate and getting to be a voice for other young people who aren’t always given the chance to speak for themselves. I want to make sure my peers know they are not alone. I am hopeful I will get to use my platform to host open mics and other events so that other young people can express themselves. I am also grateful for the opportunity to learn under the mentorship of Kai Davis, who I know I will learn a lot from.”

During his Laureate year, Rashawn will serve as an ambassador for poetry throughout 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 Rashawn for a project or event, please email poetlaureate@freelibrary.org and be sure to include whether an honorarium will be made available.