
[Norfolk, VA]—The vibrant convergence of poetic expression, civic engagement, and authentic voice takes center stage at the 16th Annual Hampton Roads Youth Poetry Festival. This celebrated event series, a staple in Hampton Roads' cultural landscape, has evolved into a dynamic platform that empowers young poets to amplify their voices, foster social change, and showcase their boundless creativity.
The Hampton Roads Youth Poetry Festival is more than a local event; it’s part of a national network of youth literary arts and creative youth development organizations, including Urban Word, New York; Words Beats and Life, Washington DC; DewMore, Baltimore; Southern Word, Tennessee; and Youth Speaks, San Francisco. Alumni include Amanda Gorman, the Poet for President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2020.
The festival also provides young poets who are civically engaged with the opportunity to vie for the prestigious Youth Poet Laureate (YPL) title. This title honors their poetic prowess and propels them to compete in the Eastern Regionals and potentially the National YPL Competition.
Beyond competitions, the festival season is enriched with many school and community-based workshops, and five premier events where young writers grace stages throughout the region with their electrifying performances.
Yet, the essence of the festival transcends mere words; it’s about fostering connections among young people from diverse communities, backgrounds, and perspectives. It’s about creating a supportive environment where poetry becomes a tool for social change and collective empowerment. These young poets, or as we call them, artivists, unite around their shared love for words, forming a bond that extends far beyond the confines of language.
Join us at the 16th Annual Hampton Roads Youth Poetry Festival and experience the power of poetry to transform lives and communities.
Crossing the Street - is a creative and collaborative event where teens from various backgrounds come together to share, bond, and express themselves through the art of poetry. The day includes lunch, fun workshops and performances!! This gathering is the season kick-off of the Hear This Youth Poetry Festival, and it focuses on building connections, fostering creativity, and celebrating the power of words in uniting diverse communities.
SlamFest - SlamFest is a dynamic poetry festival focused on poetry slams, competitive spoken word performances celebrating poetic expression, creativity, and storytelling, with poets presenting original works to an audience and judges. Winners will be invited to be part of the HRYP Slam Team that goes on to represent the region at Brave New Voices
Youth Poet Laureate - The Hampton Roads Youth Poet Laureate (HRYPL) and Virginia Youth Poet Laureate (VAYPL) programs are prestigious initiatives that celebrate and amplify the voices of young poets who use their art to inspire change, foster civic engagement, and showcase creative leadership. These programs provide a platform for talented youth to share their unique perspectives through poetry, spoken word, and activism. Register here
ImmortALL is a dynamic and powerful finale event of the Hear This Youth Poetry Festival that celebrates the transformative power of spoken word, history, and youth perspectives. The event brings together young poets, community leaders, and audiences to explore the intersection of local history, current events, and the lived experiences of teens.
Educator Resources click here
Season Launch - Opening Event for Youth & Adults, includes writing & performance workshops, lunch and live performances
March 1st (11am-2pm) Crossing The Street @ Wells Theatre, Norfolk VA
Qualifying Slams Youth participants join the Hampton Roads Youth Poets and qualify to represent Southeastern Virginia at Brave New Voices and other premier programs and events
March 6th (6-8pm) First Round Slam Fest @ Teens With a Purpose, Norfolk, VA
March 20th (6-8pm) Slam Fest Semi- Finals @ TBA
April 3rd (6-8pm) Slam Fest Grand Slam Finals @ Assembly, Norfolk, VA
YPL Events
April 4th (6-8pm) Hampton Roads Youth Poet Laureate Finals @ TCC Library, Virginia Beach, Va
April 5th (11am – 1:30pm) Virginia Youth Poet Laureate Finals @ Virginia MOCA Museum, Virginia Beach, Va
April 6th (12pm-3pm) VAPL & HRYPL Commencement @ Perry Glass Studio, Norfolk, VA
Other Special Events
April 26th (11:00am - 1:00pm), ImmortAll Grand Finale @ Zeiders American Dream Theater, Virginia Beach, Va

Yorumlar