In an interview with the Harvard Political Review, U.S. Youth Poet Laureate Salome Agbaroji discussed the political dimensions of poetry and her vision for engaging with her peers at Harvard. Agbaroji emphasized that poetry serves as a powerful medium for activism and political exploration, reflecting the diverse perspectives of her Los Angeles community.
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Agbaroji stated she has not faced significant backlash against her political poetry, attributing this to the openness of the Los Angeles poetry scene. She believes that poetry's inherent subjectivity allows for meaningful discussions on political themes. Agbaroji remarked that the censorship of poetry, such as Amanda Gorman's “The Hill We Climb,” overlooks the core principle that poetry is often a reflection of relevant societal issues, and should be allowed to spark conversations.
In response to a viewpoint that poetry lacks clarity in conveying political themes, Agbaroji argued that the subjective nature of poetry actually enriches political discourse. She connected democracy's reliance on subjectivity to poetry's ability to express personal and collective viewpoints, positing that it facilitates a 'social ballot' where individuals can advocate for the world they envision.
As she embarks on her journey at Harvard, Agbaroji expressed her intention to highlight poetry's role in political discourse among her classmates. Drawing parallels between learning through music and poetry, she described the art form as an avenue for self-discovery and reflection.
Agbaroji asserted that no political topic is unworthy of poetic exploration, encouraging writers to delve into both significant and obscure political issues. She pointed out that all experiences, such as local political events or environmental concerns, can inspire meaningful poetry.
Reflecting on her identity as a Nigerian American, Agbaroji explained how her background informs her work. She noted that her poetry explores the intersections of her various identities and aims to create space for underrepresented voices. She expressed gratitude for the encouragement her visibility has provided to young Nigerian girls.
When discussing impactful poetry, Agbaroji expressed confidence in poets’ abilities to convey political messages effectively. She cited Kendrick Lamar's work, particularly the poem included in "To Pimp a Butterfly," as an example of how poetry can resonate and communicate powerful themes.
Overall, Agbaroji views poetry as a vital tool for intersectional dialogue, inspiring others to engage with political issues through creative expression.