The Power of a Poetry Slam

Crush the competition with your creative phrasing, your contorted features and your inspired delivery! April is National Poetry Month and once again the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) is hosting a Poetry Slam. The date is Saturday, April 16, 2016 starting at 2 p.m.

The AARLCC is calling for poets, judges and vendors to participate in this event. Also, the library is looking for a charismatic speaker to be the emcee for this event. (Please see contact information below.)

There will be three categories of poetry awards. There will be a first, second, and third place trophy awarded in each category. In addition, every participant will walk away with a gift.

•         Group A: 10 to 17 years old

•         Group B: 18 to 24 years old

•         Group D: 25 years old and over

Participants can recite their own original poems or choose other poems to read. Only one poem per poet with a time limit of 3 minutes each. A panel of judges will consider the poem’s merit, dramatic appropriateness and level of difficulty, and the poet’s physical presence, voice and articulation, evidence of understanding and overall performance, along with the public reaction.

Registration is required to participate in the poetry recital. Vendors are invited to purchase a table in the lobby and set up from 9:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Tables are available for a cost of $25. Also, judges are needed to help us determine the winning entries. To register as a poetry contestant or a vendor, or to offer your services as a poetry contest judge or emcee, please call Desmond Hannibal at 954-357-6224 or email dhannibal@broward.org.