The Pamela D. Franklin Center for the Performing Arts (PDFCCPA) has partnered with the Spelman College Justice Fellows Program to host the inaugural ATL Youth Poetry Slam. Youth ages 13-19 interested in participating can attend an information session on February 2 at noon at the Aviation Community Cultural Center located at 3900 Aviation Cir.
The poetry slam will take place on Saturday, April 20. The event gives youth an opportunity to creatively express themselves and their ideas, and to have their voices heard on important issues.
“The arts not only enhance the human experience, reflect the beauty of nature, and promote cultural uniqueness, but also, in many various ways, highlight and seek solutions to some of the world’s social justice issues,” said Pamela Franklin Stegall, a South Fulton resident and PDFCCPA’s executive director.
Organizers are also using the poetry slam as an opportunity to promote literacy. According to United Way, the percentage of youth in a region exceeding third grade reading standards is a significant measure for overall child well-being. In the southern region of Fulton County, only 28.1 percent of youth exceed the standard.
“We are very serious about improving literacy amongst our youth,” said Michelle Benjamin, PDFCCPA’s artistic director “Therefore, we are using the power of literacy to compose poetry as a tool to promote social justice, environmental awareness, capture the imagination, stir the conscience and empower youth to be a positive change in the world.”
Youth are not required to have experience to participate. Prior to the poetry slam, they will have an opportunity to take part in two workshops led by industry professionals to help them prepare.
For questions and more information, contact PDFCCPA at 404-399-0137 or [email protected].
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