Meet Karima Moor: Birmingham’s First Youth Poet Fellow
Hey there, Birmingham! We’ve got some exciting news to share that’s bound to bring a smile to your face. Birmingham is buzzing with creativity, and right at the heart of that buzz is none other than Karima Moor, the very first Youth Poet Fellow in our beloved city!
A Passion for Writing
This 21-year-old Birmingham native is all about words and their power. Karima considers herself just an ordinary young adult who has a keen passion for writing. Whether it’s through poetry or performance, she’s always looking for ways to express herself. In fact, she delivered a stunning poem titled Unity during Mayor Randall Woodfin’s second inauguration in 2021! That’s not all; just last August, she launched her first book called Married2theMission: HerArchy: GOD. GIRLS. AND The American Church. “It was a collaboration with women all over the U.S. to discuss girls, God, and the American church,” she explains. “I was honored to be part of it and encourage people to walk in their purpose, knowing they are chosen by God.”
A Celebration of Representation
Karima was nominated as the inaugural Youth Poet Fellow alongside Maati Sanovia as the Adult Poet Fellow, and she’s just thrilled! “I’m very appreciative of the opportunity,” she says. “Seeing Black women leading as poet laureates for Alabama and Birmingham sends a strong message that representation matters. The world needs to see us in these roles and understand our impact.”
Making Poetry Accessible
Over the summer, she teamed up with Sanovia to create poetry programming at local Birmingham Public Library branches. They worked hard to promote literacy and summer reading initiatives. “I got the chance to work with students in a summer camp for third to fifth graders,” Karima shared. “We explored poetry together, focusing on the idea that you don’t have to rhyme — art and poetry can flow from personal expression!”
Inspired by the Greats
This passionate poet didn’t just have an overnight success story — she realized her talent for writing back in the eighth grade. “I wrote a short story, presented it, and my teacher’s jaw dropped! That was my moment. I knew I had something special,” Karima remembers. That’s when she started looking up to the legendary names in poetry and music like Maya Angelou and Lauryn Hill. “These women demonstrate how to weave rich imagery into their work, and it inspires me every day.”
Navigating Big Life Decisions
But, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Karima faced the usual post-high school pressures of “What’s next?” After graduating from Pinson Valley High School in 2018, she received a scholarship to Jefferson State Community College just a week before classes started, leading her to major in theater. However, the pandemic made her re-evaluate her choices. “I took that time to really think about what I wanted to do,” she reflects.
Giving Back to the Community
Currently, she’s committed to helping local students through outreach programs like College Prep U and Breakthrough Birmingham. Karima passionately believes in guiding young people as they make important life decisions. “It’s not fair to expect them to decide their entire future at 17 or 18. That’s a hefty load!”
Wise Words for the Youth
Instead of worrying about making ‘safe’ choices based on societal expectations, Karima urges students to consider their joy and purpose. “Do what you love! Think about what you would do for the rest of your life, even if money didn’t come into play,” she advises. That’s the kind of inspiration we need!
So, Birmingham, let’s rally around our new Youth Poet Fellow, Karima Moor, as she continues to spread her passion for poetry and uplift the next generation. With her at the helm, there’s no telling how wonderfully creative our community can be!
