FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (4/8/2024)

Resident selected as the winner of the 2024 Ypsilanti Youth Poet Laureate Contest

Ypsilanti, MI (April 8th, 2024)-The City of Ypsilanti is proud to announce Ruth Mella as the winner of the Ypsilanti Youth Poet Laureate Contest. This new program flourished in a partnership between the Ypsilanti Arts Commission, Ypsilanti District Library, and Urban Word NYC. As the Ypsilanti Poet Laureate, Mella will meet regional residents to promote poetry, spoken word, and literary arts. The Ypsilanti Youth Poet Laureate Program aims to identify young writers and leaders committed to civic and community engagement, poetry and performance, social justice, radical inclusion, and education throughout the area.

Along with the title of Ypsilanti Youth Poet Laureate, Mella will receive $500 cash and $500 for a social justice poetry project. She answered questions about her passion for writing.

Where are you from? Describe your upbringing.

Greetings, I'm Ruth Mella, originally from the Bronx, New York. At the age of 3, my family and I relocated to Ypsilanti, where we've been proud members of the community ever since. We're of Dominican descent, fortunate to call this place home together. It's a true honor for me to be recognized as the Poet Laureate, providing me with a platform to express my intelligence and creativity through my writing.

How did you discover your love for poetry?

My love affair with poetry blossomed from my passion for creative writing. The ability to craft vivid imagery that could transport readers to different worlds fueled my desire to write and embark on a journey of expressive storytelling. Expressive writing, for me, is about capturing personal experiences through my unique creative language and perspective.

My writing journey commenced around the age of 9 or 10 with simple rhymes, evolving over time as I delved deeper into crafting books and stories during my middle school years. Sharing these creations with friends, exchanging stories, and reading them aloud became cherishing moments for me.

As I transitioned into high school, expressive writing took on a deeper significance. Initially serving as a coping mechanism, it gradually transformed into a means of defining my creative vision and articulating my experiences. Writing became a powerful tool for engagement, allowing me to connect with readers on a profound level.

The introduction to poetry came unexpectedly during my senior year. While preparing for my ELA project, I stumbled upon the structured beauty of poetic forms in a workshop. Inspired, I sat down after school one day and poured my heart onto paper. Themes of love, spirituality, and the anticipation of graduation and embarking on a career in social work became the focal points of my senior year reflections.

In that moment, poetry emerged as a natural extension of my expressive writing journey, offering a new adventure for self-expression and exploration. Through poetry, I found a medium to capture the essence of my emotions, experiences, and aspirations, further enriching my creativity.

Who are some of your most significant influences?

My journey into poetry has been deeply influenced by the works of two iconic figures: Maya Angelou and Tupac Shakur. Their profound impact on literature and culture resonates deeply with me, shaping the way I approach poetry and storytelling.

Maya Angelou, with her eloquent prose and unapologetic voice, taught me the power of resilience and the importance of using words as a tool for empowerment. Her poetry delves into the complexities of the human experience, addressing themes of identity, race, and womanhood with unwavering honesty and grace. Angelou's ability to weave together personal narratives with universal truths inspires me to infuse my own writing with authenticity and empathy. Her courage in confronting social injustices and advocating for change serves as a constant reminder of the transformative potential of poetry as a force for social good.

On the other hand, Tupac Shakur's poetry speaks to me on a different level, with its raw emotion and gritty realism. Tupac's lyrics transcends the boundaries of traditional poetry, blending elements of hip-hop and street culture to create a unique and impactful form of artistic expression. His verses are a raw reflection of urban life, addressing themes of struggle, inequality, and the pursuit of justice. Tupac's fearless approach to storytelling and his unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power inspire me to embrace my own voice and advocate for change through my poetry. His ability to channel personal experiences into universal truths underscores the transformative power of poetry as a means of sparking dialogue and fostering social change.

How do you use your written words for the greater community and future?

I utilize my written words as a catalyst for positive change within my community and for future generations. Through my writing, I aim to address social issues, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire action towards a more equitable and compassionate society. By shedding light on injustices, empowering individuals, and fostering empathy and understanding, I hope to leave a lasting impact that contributes to a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

The newly selected Ypsilanti Youth Poet Laureate, Ruth Mella, will be honored at the Ypsilanti City Council meeting occurring on April 16th, 2024.

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The City of Ypsilanti has 20,648 residents, spans 4.5 square miles, and is known for its rich history, Huron River parks, and as the home of Eastern Michigan University. The City’s mission is to work creatively and collaboratively to enhance the natural and built environment so that its population grows and thrives. To keep up with City of Ypsilanti information, subscribe for email updates, and follow us on Twitter or on Facebook.

Photograph of Ruth Mella taken by Loren Kmp 

 https://lorenkmpphotography.com

For Media Contact:

Thomas Koch

Communications Manager

[email protected]