The lights dim… A crowd of showgoers waits as a spotlight appears over a single mic on an empty black stage. There’s a quiet hush as the energy stills, making room for what’s yet to transpire. Out walks tonight’s performer. Steadily, they pause behind the microphone. Each split second that passes builds the anticipation. Will they speak on race, religion, or sexism? Who is on the chopping block tonight? How will we feel after this artist has left everything they have on the stage? Who will I be when I leave? The questions swirl through the minds of the audience. The impacts of this show are yet to be revealed. Only one thing is certain. Before them stands a poet, ready to show how masterfully they can blend purpose, poetry, and performance to create a unique slam poetry piece. What is Slam Poetry? Slam poetry is a performance-based form of poetry. It is created by blending the written word, theatrical delivery, and often powerful subject matter. These words aren’t simply read. They’re felt and experienced through the speaker’s tone, presence, cadence, and gestures. Each movement holds as much meaning as the words themselves. Originating in the 1980s, slam poetry got