#8

In the Bronx, New York, there is a place called Urban World that has a sort of "open mic" program for teenagers to recite poems or spoken words for others interested in the same thing. Spoken word comes from hip-hop music and African beat poetry, so naturally most of the performers at Urban world are African American. In the New York area there are also competitions for spoken word, with prizes such as $30, 000 in scholarship money, a laptop and a printer. One girl entered in the contest for the scholarship money has been expressing herself in poetry ever since her mom died of cancer at age 45. It's a good way for her to get feelings out, while she has a serious audience that is intent on hearing her story. Spoken word artists must also be versatile-its not all just rap about sex and drugs. A favorite saying from participants is "You gotta be shakespeare and tupac."


Robbins, Liz. "Teenagers With Souls Of Poets Face Off." New York Times. 2 March 2009.