On April 10, sophomore Naisha Randhar held her head high as she was named the second Dallas Youth Poet Laureate. The opportunity was inspired by acclaimed poet Amanda Gorman, who won the title of the first National Youth Poet Laureate in 2017.
After researching Gorman’s background, Randhar discovered that Gorman was the Los Angeles Youth Poet Laureate only a few years before she was named a U.S. Poet Laureate in 2017. Randhar also wants to become a nationally recognized poet.
“I was trying to figure out how I can get the title,” Randhar said. “Then I learned about the Dallas Youth Poet Laureate.”
Randhar applied for the program in eighth grade. However, she never heard back. One year later, Randhar submitted the online application yet again, but as the months stretched long and she didn’t receive a response, she felt discouraged.
“In mid-February, I was like, this is definitely not happening,” Randhar said. “But then in March, I got it. I was told I was a finalist.”
With new-found vigor, Randhar completed the second part of the application, an interview in which she revealed that she wanted to focus on censorship and making sure kids had the right to read whatever they wanted. After reciting one of her original poems to them, the interview concluded and Randhar again waited to hear back.
“It was really late, I remember,” Randhar said. “And I had just gotten back from Houston when they sent me an email, and then I started screaming.”
Elated, Randhar headed to Dallas City Hall for the presentation ceremony in the Flag Room. Dallas Poet Laureate Mag Gabbert attended along with Mayor Eric Johnson.
“I’ve been able to have a relationship with the Poet Laureate Mag Gabbert, who is one of my favorite poets,” Randhar said. “She mentors me.”
As Youth Poet Laureate, Randhar travels to schools and public areas to spread her message of advocating against censorship. She has even opened for Gabbert at poetry festivals and went to Oklahoma to visit the American Pigeon Museum, where her poetry is going to be featured.
“I go to workshops, and also perform for different city events. That really gets your name out there,” Randhar said.
As she begins school this year, Randhar is learning to balance her many obligations as Youth Poet Laureate with academics. Regardless, she isn’t letting that discourage her, and in September she will be aiming high by creating
a social impact program to give underserved children access to poetry workshops.
Despite the challenges, Randhar said her experience so far as Youth Poet Laureate is a positive one, and it’s one that shows the power of determination.
“It’s opened up a lot of doors for me, because I feel like before, when I was writing, I never had in mind that other people would ever experience it,” Randhar said, “so that’s really a great opportunity.”
