For rising senior Cadence D., poetry started as an outlet for self-expression.
Now, she is the City of Dallas’ 2026-2027 Youth Poet Laureate.
Cadence’s passion for poetry first sparked during her freshman year at Booker T. Washington High School for Performing and Visual Arts. With the help of her teachers, the musical theater conservatory student participated in her school’s Poetry Out Loud competition.
Since then, she earned gold at the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics, and advanced to the national competition each year.
“It has been such a fun experience,” Cadence said. “It made me realize we should have poetry in our school as well.”
That realization led Cadence to establish a permanent poetry presence at Booker T.: the Pegasi Poetry Society. The group was created to explore different poetry styles, share original work, and foster community. The club now has six officers and 25 members.
“Poetry is vulnerability,” Cadence said. “This space allows everyone to release, relax, and share their experiences through the language of art.”
Cadence said her inspiration often comes from the political and economic climate affecting the Black community.
“I see the experiences they’re going through and when I translate it into poetry I want to show the hope, respect, and resilience of our community,” she said.
As a Kentucky native, Cadence also writes about her new life in a bigger city.
“I was shocked by the energy and opportunities in Dallas,” she said. “Everything is so lively, big, and amazing. Everyone is so passionate about their dreams here.”
She often writes about Dallas landmarks, the pillars of the community, and the diverse experiences of her fellow students.
Now, Cadence gets to represent the city on a larger platform.
“It’s such an honor,” she said. “I’m happy I’m the Youth Poet Laureate because I get to help young people understand the power of using their voice.”
Cadence plans to do so by collaborating with the Dallas Arts & Culture Center and the Dallas Public Library to lead literacy workshops, perform at events, and encourage students to turn their experiences into art through poetry and creative writing.
“Literacy is the foundation of our world, so you have to know how to read and write to truly express yourself,” she said.
Cadence believes poetry and art can help students better understand history through the voices and experiences of those living it.
“This is why we need more poets, artists, and storytellers so we can truly see what’s happening through their eyes,” she said.
As she prepares for senior year, Cadence is unsure whether she will continue musical theatre in college or pursue a career in law to uplift her community. Regardless of where life takes her, she said poetry will always remain part of who she is.
