​​​​DIALECT USA, LLC  recognizes and celebrates the importance of the spoken, the written and the rhythmic word no matter where it originates. We realize that even though our inflections & use of language may change between age, race, gender and cultural lines, it is the sound of our VOICES that when properly harnessed, can become the most powerful tool known to humanity through shared experiences, affirmations of love, pleas for peace and declarations of being.

DIALECT OF PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MD provides artists with the space for expression and the skills for growth as practitioners of the stage arts.  We understand that for many, a simple opportunity is the much needed bridge that can lead to success, and so we provide not only basic training in these areas, but we partner with additional County organizations in creating avenues & windows that will assist in cultivating full-fledged careers in the arts for both youth and for young adults.

of Prince George's County

TO SUPPORT MARISSA, go to her film's freeway page:    https://filmfreeway.com/MarissaMichel

IMANI GRACE WEST - THE 2022 PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY YOUTH POET LAUREATE

YPL PROGRAMS ARE SPROUTING EVERYWHERE! In his new role as Poetry Director for Words Beats & Life, Patrick Washington is helping to craft new Laureates for other areas outside of Prince George's County.  Let's welcome these new young leaders!

SAINEY CEESAY, OUR 2021 YPL, has continued making her mark beyond her Laureateship by lending her voice for multiple virtual events & speaking engagements.  She was recently commissioned to write and perform an original poem dedicated to the grand opening of the new Hyattsville Library and absolutely blew everyone away!  Everyone loved her poem so much that after  her standing ovation, the PGCMLS official asked for a copy of the poem to frame in the Library's front entrance - now THAT'S how to leave an impression!

Imani West is a rising second year student at Hampton University where she majors in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. She is also a 2021 cohort member of Hampton’s illustrious Freddye T. Davy Honors College. Her current interests include writing poetry, filmmaking, playwriting, social justice and public policy. Over the past few years, Imani’s work has been featured in a few different publications such as poetic journals and student anthologies. Imani has also had the opportunity to recite her works in front of legends such as Nikki Giovanni and Sonya Sanchez. One of Imani’s greatest milestones of her poetry career was being commissioned by Busboys and Poets to write a poem in memory of Toni Morrison, and reciting at the Congressional Black Caucus. Imani has also always been interested in how policy currently affects people of marginalized groups such as women, the LGBTQ+ community, and minorities. Before she graduates from college, Imani’s plan is to write her own book that consists of a collection of poems from her time in school, and to put together a short film. Imani’s goal is to tell stories that inspire and uplift, while also challenging her audiences to read between lines and think beyond the literal meaning of words

The Inaugural Montgomery County, Maryland

Youth Poet Laureate

"Sasa" Aakil

Her poetry performance begins at 39:00

COMING SOON!!!

SAINEY IN ACTION!

THIS SPRING, The Dialect Poets and YPL Ambassadors made several one-day residencies at two local plantations - Woodlawn Museum in northern Virginia and Montpelier House Museum in Laurel, Maryland as part of their, "Fighting Destiny Tour". 

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Marissa's film was recently screened as part of the Prince George's Film Festival  

https://www.pgfilmfestival.com/

"Transience" is an experimental short film that follows a girl who explores the concepts of life and death, and the interactions between the two, in the world around her. The girl’s inner thoughts are told entirely through poetry, with her words reflecting the settings she travels through. She examines the coexistence of life and death in order to find her place within the world.

Youth Poets

OUR 2020 COUNTY YOUTH POET LAUREATE, MARISSA MICHEL, has proven herself to be a multi-layered artist, moving from poetry to digital art, and now to FILMAKING! 

Marissa has written, directed & edited two short films titled, "Transience" and "Summer of the Cicadas" which are both selections in the experimental category of the 2022 All American High School Film Festival!!

They will screen at the AMC Empire 25 Theater in NYC this October - CONGRATULATIONS, Marissa!!

One Youth Poet Laureate. Ten Ambassadors.  Eleven youth poets who are paving the way to the future.

LEARN MORE

The Inaugural Arlington County, Virginia

Youth Poet Laureate

Charlotte Maleski

PAST LAUREATES:

Sainey Ceesay (2021) Marissa Michel (2020) Mi'Jan Credle (2019) Michaela Lacy (2018) Samantha Jackson (2017) and Dominique Holder (2016)

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THE YOUNG POETS were especially interested in Montpelier's "Hidden Spaces" presentation, which explores the side entrances, passageways & sleeping areas for the enslaved which were tucked away throughout the mansion. 
WE ALSO LEARNED the stories of resilience & resistance from our people - We learned at every year, there were at least 30 instances of runaway slaves from Montpelier.  

AFTER EACH TOUR, everyone went exploring on their own, some sat outside in the courtyard, some stayed inside & asked questions of our guides, others walked along the trail surrounding the property - writing & reflecting.
 

HER YEAR SO FAR: Our 2022 YPL Imani West hasn't wasted any time during the first half of her laureateship, touching hearts & minds everywhere from community centers to the Kennedy Center! Her soft-spoken yet magnetic performances have inspired hundreds across the DMV, even earning herself a place at The White House! Way to go, Imani!

​​Meet the Ambassadors

POETS, EMCEES & CREATIVE WRITERS AGES 13 TO 19, here is your springboard to launching a career in creative writing, performance poetry & community activism! We are searching for youth leaders who are committed to civic and community engagement & promoting change through the arts. We also partner with various county entities & non profits to create opportunities for our young artists. for more info, Contact us at dialectofpgcounty@gmail.com

WE ARE INTERNATIONAL! Here, our 2019 & 2021 Prince George's Laureates are interviewed by BBC News about The Amanda Gorman Effect

CONGRATULATIONS ALSO TO OUR NEW YOUTH POET AMBASSADORS

​DEAUN COLEMAN – Hyattsville

JORDAN CULMER – District Heights

SANAI EATON-MARTINEZ – Upper Marlboro

DEJA EPPS  - Upper Marlboro

MUNTAHA HOSSAIN - Beltsville

DEMARI KLINE – Upper Marlboro

KHADIJAH MUHAMMAD – New Carrollton

KEENASHAE PENNICOOKE - Laurel

ISHA SESAY - Lanham

AZEEM SHAIKH – College Park

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NOW THE WORK BEGINS as our YPL & Ambassadors begin traveling the county sharing the stage with county officials at festivals, town hall meetings and other community events in need of a youth perspective.  This is the first step to a professional career as a writer & public speaker - any organizations interested in booking any of our youth poets for  any functions, please contact Patrick Washington at 301 237 6684 or Neville Adams at 240 426 2629