Emily Igwike
Emily Igwike, born in Milwaukee, has lived in Brown Deer, Wisconsin, all of her life. She is a poet and was named one of five National Student Poets, the nation’s highest honor for youth poets in 2022. Igwike is the daughter of two loving Igbo-Nigerian immigrants. She developed her passion for writing at an early age by reading novels. With her mother’s influence, she grew fond of telling stories. Through poetry, Igwike not only curated her voice but also let others hear her. Beginning with short stories, and choppy poems, Igwike formulated her ever-developing craft into one that spoke to her. Igwike hopes to be a role model for young, Black girls like her, as well as a testament to the power of the spoken word.