Patrick Washington: Honoring a Poet Who Gives Voice to a Generation

The Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council proudly honors Patrick Washington—a celebrated poet, activist, and educator—for his profound contributions to poetry, literature, spoken word, and the humanities. As the founder of Dialect of Prince George’s, Patrick has dedicated over a decade to nurturing the next generation of writers through the County’s Youth Poet Laureate Program. His mission has always been clear: to help young people discover their voices, embrace the power of language, and use their words to inspire thought, action, and change.

Patrick, a native of Washington, D.C., has been a vital part of the local arts scene since the mid-1990s. He gained recognition alongside notable figures like Toni Blackman, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and Jason Reynolds, contributing to a movement centered on artistic excellence and social awareness. His powerful poetry has appeared on HBO’s Def Poetry and the NFL Network, and he has spoken on national platforms, including narrating the unveiling of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Through his art, Washington highlights themes of activism, justice, and the transformative effect of words.

His influence reaches beyond performance. As a mentor and community leader, he has supported many young voices through his work with The Literary Leaders of Prince George’s County. His dedication to mentorship, training, and providing performance opportunities helps emerging poets gain recognition. In 2025, Patrick Washington was honored with the Community Service Award at the Youth Poet Laureate Finals, hosted by the PGAHC. His leadership continues to shape Prince George’s County’s cultural identity, demonstrating that poetry driven by purpose fosters community growth.