Black History Month 2023: Poets & Poetry
with Freestyle Love Supreme+ (FLS+)
Hosted By: aja monet
Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023
Doors: 9:45am – Event: 10:30am-12pm
Experience the Stage
THE TOWN HALL’S BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION is a FREE, four-part series for New York City-based middle and high school students in preparation for and in honor of February's Black History Month. The parts act as multi-entry points to access this important information, but each part can be participated in individually, as well, depending on your needs and interests.
FLS+ is an organization that uses music and improvisation to amplify non-centered voices. FLS+ draws from deep experience in coaching and skill development and a roster of diverse, Tony-award-winning performers to build resilience, confidence, and creativity through the power of play. In their work with global organizations, FLS+ puts the principles of improvisation into daily practice to increase psychological safety, equity, and innovation across teams.
Join and PARTICIPATE
EXPERIENCE THE STAGE
On Wednesday, February 8, 2023, we welcome your students and staff to join us for a day of celebration through our Poets and Poetry Event. In this daylong event, hosted by poet-activist aja monet, student contest winners will perform on The Town Hall stage for an audience of their peers. All New York City Public School students and administrators are invited to attend for free!
FLS+ is an organization that uses music and improvisation to amplify non-centered voices. FLS+ draws from deep experience in coaching and skill development and a roster of diverse, Tony-award-winning performers to build resilience, confidence, and creativity through the power of play. In their work with global organizations, FLS+ puts the principles of improvisation into daily practice to increase psychological safety, equity, and innovation across teams.
Doors: 10am
Event: 10:30am-12pm
RSVP to attend with your students
Download the Event Flyer
FAQs
Q: Are students required to attend the workshops to submit a poem to the contest?
A: No. Any student can submit a poem to the contest, whether they take one, all, or none of the workshops. With that said, the workshops will provide invaluable learning opportunities for students and will prepare them to perform on stage. Town Hall recommends that students attend at least one workshop prior to submitting their entry.
Q: Who will judge student poetry submissions?
A: Town Hall’s Education Department, along with a team of poets, teaching artists, and educators, will carefully review all submissions and determine selected student poets.
Q: Are there fees for any of Town Hall’s Black History Month programming?
A: No! All workshops, the contest, and the Student Poetry Slam and workshop day are all provided free of charge.
Q: I am a teacher, teaching artist, or youth development professional. Can I bring my class to the Student Poetry Slam?
A: Yes! Town Hall enthusiastically welcomes public school teachers, teaching artists, and youth development professionals working with public school students to schedule field trips to the Town Hall for our Black History Month Student Poetry Slam. Contact Jocelyn Bonadio-de Freitas to reserve seats for your students.
Q: Do I have to be a teacher, teaching artists, or youth development professional to register a young person for one of the workshops?
A: No, any adult—including parents and family members—can register a young person for one of our poetry workshops. Students may directly register for workshops as well.