Submission Deadline is Monday, August 1, 2016
This Year’s Theme is “And Justice for All!”
The National Civil Rights Museum (NCRM) is calling young poets and spoken word artists nationwide to compete in its 3rd Annual NCRM Drop the Mic Poetry Slam on Saturday, August 13, at 5 p.m. The slam will be held at the Memphis museum located at the historic Lorraine Motel, the site where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. last stood. The qualifying deadline to submit an all-original poem in a two-minute online video is Monday, August 1, at 5 pm CDT.
Poets in the age categories of 14 – 17, 18 – 25 and 26 – 35 can compete for two top cash prizes, $1,000 first place and $750 second place, in each age group. This year’s theme is “And Justice for All” with an emphasis on equality and justice. The Drop the Mic Poetry Slam is designed to engage a new generation in the fight for civil and human rights and to encourage them to creatively use their voices beyond social media. All ages are invited to attend the poetry slam. It is free and open to the public.
This year’s slam judges include: Ed Mabrey, who is a three-time Individual World Poetry Slam Champion, featured performer on Season 3 of Verses and Flow, featured performer on HBO All Def Digital, Emmy nominee and professional comedian who has opened shows for DL Hughley, Charlie Murphy and Rob Schneider; NCRM Poetry Slam 2014 winner Markuitta Washington; University of Memphis English professor, Verner Mitchell; one of Memphis’ own poetic genius, Ryan “Sebastian Carson,” who is behind the viral YouTube videos, “The Definition of a Black Man” and “Queens Be Like”; and Museum Educator, Ryan M. Jones.
“The Drop the Mic Poetry Slam was spectacular the first two years, each year surpassing the last in attendance, buzz, and creativity,” said Faith Morris, NCRM Chief Marketing and External Affairs Officer. “We hope that this year, with everything that has transpired in this country, our justice theme will bring out the passion in our young poets. The slam provides participants with a platform to artistically express themselves about important issues facing society.”
Submissions must be original works addressing the topic “And Justice for All!” Each entrant must submit a YouTube or Vimeo video link in their online entry form. Videos should be no longer than two minutes. Only one entry per person will be considered. All videos must be received by Monday, August 1, 2016 by 5pm.
Top finalists will be selected and must perform their submitted poem live in front of a panel of judges at the National Civil Rights Museum on Saturday, August 13, at 5pm in order to win. For more information and to enter visit http://civilrightsmuseum.org/dropthemic/.
The hashtags for this year’s Drop the Mic Poetry Slam are #JusticeForAll, #NCRMDropTheMic. Social media share are encouraged.
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, millions of visitors from around the world have come, including more than 70,000 students annually. Recognized as a center for civil rights and social change, the Museum examines today’s global civil and human rights issues, provokes thoughtful debate and serves as a catalyst for positive change.
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; TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for Top 25 U.S. Museums; and Best Memphis Attraction by The Commercial Appeal.