The Popup Poetry Spot
Poetic living legends
Sonia Sanchez is a prominent American poet, writer, and professor who played a pivotal role in the Black Arts Movement. Her impressive body of work spans over a dozen poetry collections, plus short stories, critical essays, plays, and children's books.
Key Career Highlights:
-
1960s: Published poems in African-American periodicals
-
1969: Released debut collection "Homecoming"
-
1993: Received Pew Fellowship in the Arts
-
2001: Awarded the prestigious Robert Frost Medal for contributions to American poetry
Impact & Legacy:
-
Major influence on other African-American poets (like Krista Franklin)
-
Member of The Wintergreen Women Writers Collective
-
Recognized as a leading voice in both the Black Arts Movement and American poetry canon
Teen Workshops
Bring Poetry to your spot!
Empower young voices through our dynamic teen poetry workshop! This transformative experience helps teens aged 13-17 discover their authentic voice, build confidence, and express themselves through spoken word and creative writing. Led by certified facilitators, participants learn performance techniques, storytelling skills, and emotional expression in a supportive, judgment-free environment. Each workshop culminates in a showcase where teens share their original work, building self-esteem and communication skills that extend far beyond poetry.
WRITE YOUR HEAR OUT COMPETITION
Let your creativity run wild, pour your heart out (emotions) onto the page and show us what you've got. Here's the deal: craft your best love sonnet, limerick, prose, or free-verse piece and submit it for a chance to win the grand prize. There's a $10 entry fee, but think of it as an investment in your art and a shot at some sweet cash. Scoring Rubrics: 50 Points Creativity & Originality (10 points) Poetic Language. (5 points) Emotional Impact (5 points) Theme & Message (10 points) Technical Skill (10 points) Overall Impact (10 points) Rights: By submitting your poem, you agree to grant us non-exclusive rights to publish your work on our platforms. Eligibility: This competition is open to spoken word poets of all ages and backgrounds. We look forward to hearing your powerful spoken word pieces and wish you the best of luck! We can't wait to see what you come up with!!
COMPETITIONS
TALK YO SPIT COMPETITION
The theme for this competition is “Talk Yo Spit” Poets are encouraged to share their authentic voice and personal experiences through their poetry. Submission Guidelines: Submit your original spoken word poem. Deadline: The deadline for submissions is by mid night May 21, 2025. Late entries will not be accepted. Judging Criteria: You will be contacted by one of our judges at that point you will recite your poem (Talk Yo Spit) Poems will be judged based on delivery, authenticity, emotional impact, and overall performance quality. Prizes: The 1st place winner will receive $100 via cash app. Three runner up poets will receive honorable mention. Announcement: The winners will be announced on on May 27 on our website and social media platforms. Rights: By submitting your poem, you agree to grant us non-exclusive rights to publish your work on our platforms. Eligibility: This competition is open to spoken word poets of all ages and backgrounds. We look forward to hearing your powerful spoken word pieces and wish you the best of luck in the "Talk Yo Spit Poet" competition!
