PRESS RELEASE
City of Annapolis
Public Information Office
160 Duke of Gloucester Street
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Media Contact: Mitchelle Stephenson, 410-972-7724 or mwstephenson@annapolis.gov
City of Annapolis Launches Second Edition of Annapolis Youth Poetry Book “Around Each Corner” with Thursday Reading
Annapolis, Maryland (December 21, 2022) – The City of Annapolis is launching the second edition of the Annapolis Youth Poetry Book “Around Each Corner,” a collection of poems written by young poets from Annapolis. The launch will take place at the Michael E. Busch Library, 1410 West Street, Annapolis from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 22, 2022. The public is invited to attend this coffeehouse-style event, listen to and read some of the published poems, and enjoy artwork provided by the Jóvenes Artistas Program at Maryland Hall. Refreshments will be served. 
The book of poems was collected earlier this year with the help of Annapolis High School, the Annapolis Art in Public Places Commission and the Mayor’s Office One Annapolis initiative.
The project got its start in the classroom of Annapolis High School teacher Mrs. Romey Pittman, where young people were asked to share poetry that told their stories, background, experiences, lives and traditions. The assignment was inspired by the “Where I am From” poem of George Ella Lyon.
“Poetry is an art form that expresses dreams, fears, and lived experiences in a unique way,” said Mayor Gavin Buckley. “This year’s poems reflect the unique experiences of young people from all over Annapolis. Their voices are powerful. I’m proud to help launch this collection to showcase their expression and creativity, and celebrate their self-identity and self-respect.”
In all, 56 poems are published in the book. The individual poems tell of triumph, heartache, clashing cultures and proud heritage. RSVP here: https://forms.gle/kZdFK5ZV3DynvLZq9.
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