Youth poetry workshop held at Institute

Local youth leaders converged for a poetry workshop led by the Kennedy Institute’s newly formed Youth Action Committee and Massachusetts Literary Education and Performance Collective (MassLEAP). Participants included youth from the City of Boston Mayor’s Youth Council and from Boston International Newcomers Academy (BINcA), which is part of Boston Public Schools. The youth took part in poetry activities and a free-writing exercises as well as a themed bingo game which involved more than a dozen ice breaker questions designed to get those in attendance active and engaged in the thought process.

The workshop, facilitated by MassLEAP managing director Alex Charalambides, was held immediately prior to a Getting to the Point program featuring presidential inaugural poet Richard Blanco. Mr. Blanco stopped in on the youth poetry workshop prior to appearing in a moderated conversation with City of Boston Poet Laureate Porsha Olayiwola. All workshop participants received a signed copy of Blanco’s newest poetry collection “How to Love a Country.”

Watch the video of Mr. Blanco’s Getting to the Point appearance, read a program recap, and see photos from the program. View some highlights below.

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, civic education organization in Boston envisioned by the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Through a range of exhibits, interactive educational offerings, and topical programs, the Institute engages students and visitors in a conversation about the essential role each person plays in our democracy and in our society.