Brooklyn's next generation of poets took to the stage for a powerful night of storytelling on July 15 at Bedford Stuyvestant Restoration Corporation Plaza for the Parle´ Endeavors poetry slam semifinals.
The poetry event highlighted 12 poets, ages 13-19, from all over New York City. The poets showcased their rhyming skills in hopes of performing again at the slam’s finals on July 29, at the Nuyorican Cafe. It was a special evening of self-expression in the Skylight Gallery, a space known for its celebration of arts and culture.
Parle´ Endeavors, a youth mentorship nonprofit organization, is run by owner Kevin Benoit, who is no stranger to the poetry slam scene. Benoit spent much of his young adult years hosting slams for youth, which eventually turned into tours at different colleges around the country.
Youth gathered alongside their family and friends into the intimate space to impress judges with their wordplay, storytelling skills and unique cadences. Performances lasted for two rounds and each poem lasted about 3-5 minutes.
Snaps, cheers and sounds of approval filled the room during performances. Poets touched on personal topics, including gun violence, grief and childhood memories.
“I wasn’t a big fan of poetry,” said Yaiden, one of the slam’s finalists. “After dealing with personal stuff, I found that it was an outlet to express my emotions when there was nobody else to talk to.”
For some of the students, this was their first time reciting their poetry in front of an audience.
“I’m pretty new,” said London, another finalist of the poetry slam. “In seventh grade, I wrote my first poem, but in sixth grade, that was when I presented a poem I had found online.”
Each poet was judged on their overall performance, technique and content. After each performance, judges Erica Buddington, Douglas Carla and Jeffrey Barreau looked for poets who showcased true authenticity in their writing and performance style.
Six finalists were chosen to continue onto the final round: Lena X., Evelyn, Aniyah R., Stephanie, Yaiden and London L.
To help finalists prepare, judges offered encouragement and tips for performance techniques. They suggested competitors memorize their poems, find their own rhythm and practice microphone techniques.
“I’ve been doing this for years,” said poetry slam judge Erica Buddington. “It takes a lot of time and practice.”
Above all else, judges praised the teens for their continued dedication and love for the craft.
“Keep writing,” said Benoit. “There are so many avenues it can take you.”
The six finalists will compete again at the legendary Nuyorican Cafe in Manhattan on July 29. First place winner will receive $1,000; second place, $750; third place, $500; fourth place takes home $150; and fifth place earns $100.
To find out more information about the poetry slam finals, click here.
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