“And Justice For All” Was The Spark of Thought-Provoking Artistry
Poets from age 14 to 35 shared their perspectives at the National Civil Rights Museum” Drop the Mic Poetry Slam. This year’s theme was “And Justice For All.” There were 32 contestants that participated in the third year of this event held on Saturday, August 13 at the museum.
“This event showed that the abundance of injustice that exists has truly captured the attention of all ages,” said Terri Freeman, President, National Civil Rights Museum. “We were fortunate to be in the presence of great poets who did an excellent job in turning that pain and frustration into hope and unforgettable art.”
The winners in each category are the following:
| 14-17 Age Group | 18-25 Age Group | 26-35 Age Group | |
| 1st Place | Kyla Lewis | Shawne McCoy | Yolanda Gates |
| 2nd Place | Marquavious Moore | Jeshaun Powell | Carin Malone |
The grand prize winner in each category received $1,000 and a museum family membership and the runner up in each category received $750 and a museum family membership. The judges this year were Emmy Award winner and 3 time individual World Poetry Slam champion Ed Mabrey, 2014 NCRM Drop The Mic Poetry Slam winner Markuitta Washington, University of Memphis Professor of African American Studies Dr. Verner Mitchell, poet Sebastian Carson, and, NCRM Historian Ryan Jones,
About The National Civil Rights Museum
The NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM, located at the historic Lorraine Motel where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, is the only Museum of its kind in the country that gives a comprehensive overview of the American Civil Rights Movement from 1619 to the present. The Museum is intended to bring the movement to life, place the events in a historical perspective and provide a focus of national remembrance. Since the Museum opened in 1991, close to 5 million visitors from around the world have come, including more than 60,000 students annually. Recognized as a center for civil rights and social change, the Museum is steadfast in its mission to share the culture and lessons from the Movement and explore how this significant era continues to shape equality and freedom globally.
Through interactive exhibits, historic collections, storytelling, dynamic speakers and events, the museum offers visitors a chance to walk through history and learn more about a tumultuous and inspiring period of change. Then, invites you to Join the Movement, take a stand and share your voice on issues that impact our society.
An internationally acclaimed cultural institution, the Museum was recognized as USA Today’s Top 10 Best American Iconic Attractions; Top 10 Best Historical Spots in the U.S. by TLC’s Family Travel; Must See by the Age of 15 by Budget Travel and Kids; Top 10, American Treasures by USA Today; and Best Memphis Attraction by The Commercial Appeal and Memphis Business Journal.