Karima Moor: Birmingham’s Inspiring Youth Poet Fellow
Birmingham is buzzing with excitement as it welcomes Karima Moor, the city’s first ever Youth Poet Fellow. This 21-year-old local is an artist at heart, always eager to share her love for writing and creativity. With a resume that already includes performing a heartfelt poem titled “Unity” at Mayor Randall Woodfin’s second inauguration, and releasing her debut book “Married2theMission: HerArchy: GOD. GIRLS. AND The American Church,” Karima is a young woman on a mission.
A Voice for the Community
Karima doesn’t just focus on her own journey; she’s passionate about uplifting others in her community. After being nominated by fellow poet Salaam Green, she was named the inaugural Youth Poet Fellow alongside Maati Sanovia, the Adult Poet Fellow. Reflecting on this achievement, Karima said, “I’m very appreciative for the opportunity.” She feels blessed to share this title with two other powerful Black women leaders in Birmingham’s literary scene.
“Having Black women representation in these titles is essential,” she said. “It’s beautiful and I feel amazing about it. I feel honored to be under those two women and to have them help me grow.”
Bringing Poetry to Young Minds
This past summer, Karima teamed up with local libraries to provide poetry programming aimed at supporting literacy initiatives for young readers. She describes her experience working with third to fifth graders, encouraging them to explore their voices through poetry.
“I was able to go into a summer camp and talk to them about poetry. I told them that there are so many different ways to rhyme and write,” she explained. “You don’t have to rhyme, but whatever you’re doing to express yourself, you can make it art. You can make it poetry.” Karima’s aim is clear: she wants children to embrace the arts, ignoring the negativity often aimed at creative pursuits.
The Love for Words
Karima’s passion for writing began at an early age. “I have always had a natural gift for stringing words together,” she reminisced, attributing a transformative moment to a short story presentation in the eighth grade that left her teacher in awe. “That opened my eyes to the trueness and the weight of my gift. I really feel like it’s a natural born gift. I can’t give anybody credit but the Lord.”
Inspiration and Aspirations
When it comes to influences, Karima looks up to iconic poets and musicians like Maya Angelou and
Facing Life’s Big Decisions
Growing up in Birmingham, Karima attended Rudd Middle School and graduated from Pinson Valley High School in 2018. Like many young adults, she faced the daunting question: what’s next? She pondered the pressure surrounding college decisions and felt unprepared to make such a substantial choice at just 17 or 18 years old.
Fortunately, she received a full-ride scholarship from Jefferson State Community College a week before classes began, deciding to major in theater for two years. However, the pandemic made her reassess her path. “I wanted to take that time during quarantine to figure out what I wanted to do seriously,” she admitted.
A Passion for Guiding Others
Now that she’s taken a break from college, Karima is dedicated to supporting middle and high school students through programs like College Prep U and Breakthrough Birmingham. She aims to guide them through the overwhelming process of choosing their futures.
“Do what brings you joy and not do something based on money or what people tell you what you need to do,”
she advises, encouraging youth to consider what they would love to do even if they weren’t getting paid.
The Bright Future Ahead
Karima Moor is a shining example of how creativity can empower and inspire younger generations. As she continues her journey in Birmingham, she is committed to fostering a love for poetry and the arts, ensuring that the next generation finds their own voice.
