I had an amazing time this weekend at the first in-person Poetry Business Network meeting in Atlanta. As I told my email list folks, it was refreshing to fellowship with people in person and to glean from the wisdom of legendary poets like Georgia Me (Def Poetry Jam), Rewop (who I met at the Poet Life Fest in 2022), and Taalam Acey.
The passion everyone displayed was empowering and helpful in motivating me to rescue my pen from the shadows and immerse myself deeper into Atlanta’s vibrant poetry community. Listening to these poets made me realize there is a lot I don’t know and helped me to understand the importance of knowing the individuals and the history of those who contributed to the development of the craft. It is not just about the writing. Studying the industry that houses these arts and their role in our evolution is also equally important. Imagine saying you are a poet and not knowing Gwendolyn Brooks or Maya Angelou.
It helps to sharpen your writing skills when you know more about your topics and community.
That said, I am excited to announce this year’s poetry contest is now open to accepting submissions!
You will have until December 1, 2024, to submit your poem. Our theme this year is Joy, and we will award our three finalists with cash prizes ranging from $50 to $150! For details on entering, please click on the link below, and be sure to share this with the poets you know!
Click Here For the Entry Rules, and Guidelines
If you would like to support our poets with a donation, you may do so by clicking on the website’s donation page here.
Hope to see you soon!
Yecheilyah’s 1st Annual Poetry Contest Winners, 2017
Yecheilyah’s 2nd Annual Poetry Contest Winners, 2018
Yecheilyah’s 3rd Annual Poetry Contest Winners, 2019
Yecheilyah’s 4th Annual Poetry Contest Winners, 2021
The PBS Blog 