Interview with 2023 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate, Nairobi Barnes

2023 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate, Nairobi Barnes, talks about her craft, role models, and her parents unwavering support in this interview with Shanga Goman.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:27 "What's a recent moment of joy for you in this work?"
01:06 "What's your writing practice look like?"
03:16 Lil Kim Challenge
03:23 "How do you know when a poem is good enough?"
04:45 "My dad thinks he's a rapper."
05:25 Nairobi's parents at the final ceremony
05:55 What is it like to have that support from your parents?
08:18 British accent?
08:31 Who is your role model as a writer?
09:53 Nairobi's top 5 fave musicians
10:44 How did debate influence your spoken word if at all? (shout out to Bay Area Urban Debate League)
12:53 What poet did you read that you would consider the gateway into your career as a poet?
14:12 What was your introduction to poetry? (shout out to Ms. Frost)
17:00 What does it feel to have the platform and responsibility as Oakland Youth Poet Laureate?
18:30 Advice for young writers