Young Poet Emi Wong Shing Takes on Philadelphia’s Youth Poet Laureate Role
Philadelphia’s tradition of celebrating literary talent continues with the appointment of Emi Wong Shing, a senior at Germantown Friends School, as the 2026–27 Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate.
The Poet Laureate of Philadelphia Program was inaugurated in 2013 by the Philadelphia Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy. It offers a biennial opportunity for one poet to gain recognition for their contributions to literature and the community. The role of poet laureate was solidified as a civic position with the appointment of its first laureate, Sonia Sanchez, who emphasized the inherent political nature of writing:
All poets, all writers are political. They either maintain the status quo, or they say, “Something’s wrong, let’s change it for the better.”
Complementing the poet laureate, the youth poet laureate position amplifies the voices of young Philadelphians. Each year, a panel of librarians, educators, poets, and literary professionals selects a youth poet laureate, who benefits from mentorship under the adult poet laureate. Since its inception, 13 young poets have assumed this role, organizing community events, conducting workshops, and engaging in collaborative writing projects. Many have achieved national recognition and pursued higher education in prestigious institutions, with some returning to Philadelphia to mentor future poets.
Since 2017, the Free Library of Philadelphia, in collaboration with Creative Philly, has managed both poet laureate programs. This partnership aims to enhance literacy and foster lifelong learning by supporting emerging voices in the city.
As the Free Library marks nearly a decade of stewardship over these programs, it proudly welcomes Emi Wong Shing as the new Youth Poet Laureate of Philadelphia.
Emi, an Afro-Latina poet and fiction writer, is set to embark on her senior year at Germantown Friends School. Her accolades include participation in the Kenyon Young Writers Workshop, the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio, and recognition as a 2025 Young Arts Winner for poetry. She has also been honored with three Scholastic Gold Keys and was nominated for the 2024 Scholastic American Voices award.
Reflecting on her appointment, Emi expressed:
For me, writing and reading poetry has always been a deeply meditative act of connection with the world, others, and myself—acting as a vessel for change and activism within my community. It is such an honor to serve Philadelphia as Youth Poet Laureate and have the opportunity to share poetry’s connecting and empathic properties. I am thrilled to spend my laureate year sharing pieces of myself with my community and connecting with other young people—maybe inspiring others to write poetry themselves!
Emi’s work is rich with imagery and often draws from her surroundings. Her poem “Wissahickon Hymn” celebrates local landmarks and figures, suggesting that “I think every great Philly artist is be here,/in that water.”
Explore her poetic expression further by watching her perform “Babies” here.
Throughout her tenure, Emi will engage with the community through readings and workshops, promoting poetry across Philadelphia.
To learn more about the Youth Poet Laureate Program, visit this video featuring several former youth poets laureate of Philadelphia. For collaboration inquiries or event proposals involving Emi, contact poetlaureate@freelibrary.org and specify any available honorarium.
Read More Here
