Help us sustain an important platform for young poets in our community!

WordPlay Cincy is looking to raise $5,000 for the Tyrone Williams Fund, which supports the Cincinnati Youth Poet Laureate Program. This fund provides a $1,500 scholarship, mentorship, and public reading opportunities for a young poet whose work strengthens our community.

In WordPlay’s world, poetry invites us to question the world as it is and envision new realities. It encourages critical thinking, deep listening, empathy, and imagination. Supporting youth poetry means supporting young people as they learn to use language creatively and courageously.

The Cincinnati Youth Poet Laureate Program recognizes young writers committed to poetry, performance, civic engagement, diversity, education, and human relations. Through this program, young poets gain opportunities to grow as artists and leaders while sharing their voices with the wider community.

This year, WordPlay Cincy proudly announced Uche Uwaezuoke as the 2026–2027 Youth Poet Laureate of Cincinnati. A rising senior at Fairfield Senior High School, Uche was selected for his compassion, clarity, and commitment to civic engagement through poetry. A list of his impressive accomplishments and community work can be found through the link below.

This fund is named in honor of Tyrone Williams, the late poet and educator whose life was devoted to teaching, mentoring, and championing writers. Your gift helps carry that legacy forward by providing a platform and support for young poets in Cincinnati.

Please donate today and help us reach our $5,000 goal by December 31, 2026.

Learn more: Cincinnati Youth Poet Laureate

Note: Starting in 2026, non-itemizers in Ohio can deduct up to $1,000 for cash donations to qualified charities, or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly.