Race and Community Loss from a Teen Poet’s Perspective

Oakland, CA — Leila Mottley, 16, is the 2018 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate. She talked with YR Media about what inspired her to write her poem, "Love Poem to Oakland."

The poem offers a look at the changes Mottley sees in Oakland. Watch the video to hear Leila's perspective on what it means to live in a city that's becoming more and more expensive.

RELATED: Meet The Teen Poet Whose Love Letter Is a Call To Action

To hear Leila read her poem, check out this video:

For more about the Youth Poet Laureate Program: https://www.oaklandlibrary.org/teens/events-programs/youth-poet-laureate-program