Nigerian-American Teen Daniel Umemezie Named U.S. National Youth Poet Laureate
Nigerian-American teenager Daniel Umemezie is celebrating an incredible accomplishment after being named the 2026-2027 U.S. National Youth Poet Laureate, the second Nigerian-American to receive the honour.
In April, the 18-year-old was chosen from hundreds of young writers and youth poets from all over the United States. His success has brought his Nigerian background, creativity and youthful voice to the national platform.
The U.S. Mission Nigeria called Umemezie a talented young poet, whose poetry delves into heritage, identity and the experience of being raised between Nigeria and America.
Born in Nigeria, Umemezie moved to the United States with his family when he was 13. He noted that the cultural differences he faced after moving affected his writing, and that poetry was a means of bridging his experiences and memories.
From an early age he had developed creative interests. He has learned how to play nine musical instruments and has tried his hand at drawing, painting, crocheting, knitting and architecture.
After being encouraged by an English teacher to enter a local poetry contest in his sophomore year, his poetic career took off. He won and later was the Cedar Valley Youth Poet Laureate and Iowa Student Poet Ambassador.
As the new National Youth Poet Laureate, Umemezie will be traveling the United States for readings and workshops. He would like to use his voice to promote social justice, political engagement and self-discovery.
His success is also a legacy to the Nigerian-American community. In 2023, Salome Agbaroji was the first Nigerian-American to hold the title.
Passionate about creativity, Umemezie is also interested in science and technology, which is why he will pursue a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering at Iowa State University after graduating from high school in May.
