Anjalequa Leynneyah Verona Birkett

Anjalequa was born and raised in Roxbury before moving to Roslindale. She is currently 18 years old and attends the John D. O’Bryant School of Math & Science, where through the 826 Writers Room, she has been given a space and community to truly hone and admire her love and technique for writing and poetry. Her cleverness and artistry stems from her own life experiences and wanting to connect with those around her. She has volunteered with organizations such as A-VOYCE and BARCC to spread awareness of social issues that impact her community and help make and be the blueprint for change. In everything she does she makes it her mission to express the feelings of people around her and her own, and create a bright, and better future ahead.

Anjalequa was named Boston's second-ever Youth Poet Laureate in February 2022.