Poetry Gumbo is contemporary, in-your-face style poetry that elevates, inspires
​and energizes the entire community through the voice and experiences of teens.
"Poetry is language at its most distilled and most powerful." -Rita Dove
Held annually during National Poetry Month, Poetry Gumbo is an open mic experience for teens to develop and share their own stories through spoken word, verse, writing, publication, and performance.

During weekly workshops leading up to the event, we challenge teens to study craft through the critical examination of literary greats, modern leaders in the genre, and the lyrics of hip-hop. They write, refine, and practice, then we highlight the rhythmic, literary and aesthetic components of language in order to define and showcase their real world experiences and connections.
"Poetry Gumbo provides an essential platform for poets and performance artists that enhances the cultural presence of Dallas's arts community."
​—Camika Spencer, Playwright, Educator, Podcast Curator, and Best Selling Author
STORYTELLING: THE ROUX OF LIFE THE WAY YOU WANT TO SEASON IT.
​-delmetria millener