Blackness and the Making of Slam and Spoken Word Communities: A Journey from the Margins to the Mainstream

Slam and spoken word poetry have become ubiquitous in contemporary culture, but their origins lie in the African American oral tradition. In Blackness and the Making of Slam and Spoken Word Communities, I explore the vibrant history of this genre, tracing its evolution from the margins to the mainstream.

Killing Poetry: Blackness and the Making of Slam and Spoken Word Communities

by Javon Johnson

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3549 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	170 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

Drawing on extensive research and interviews with key figures in the movement, this book offers a comprehensive examination of the cultural, social, and political significance of slam and spoken word poetry. I argue that slam and spoken word are more than just forms of entertainment; they are powerful tools for community building, social change, and self-expression.

The African American Oral Tradition

The roots of slam and spoken word poetry can be traced back to the African American oral tradition. In Africa, griots were professional storytellers and musicians who played an important role in preserving and transmitting the history and culture of their people. When Africans were brought to the Americas as slaves, they carried their oral traditions with them.

In the United States, African Americans developed a rich variety of oral genres, including spirituals, work songs, blues, and folk tales. These genres provided a way for African Americans to express their experiences of slavery, oppression, and resistance.

The Birth of Slam Poetry

In the 1980s, a new form of oral performance poetry emerged: slam poetry. Slam poetry is characterized by its competitive nature, with poets competing against each other for prizes and recognition. The first slam poetry event was held in Chicago in 1986, and the movement quickly spread to other cities across the United States.

Slam poetry provided a new platform for African American poets to express their voices. Slam poets often tackled difficult topics such as racism, poverty, and violence. Their performances were raw, honest, and often deeply moving.

The Rise of Spoken Word Poetry

In the 1990s, spoken word poetry began to emerge as a distinct genre from slam poetry. Spoken word poetry is less competitive than slam poetry, and it often incorporates elements of music, theater, and other art forms. Spoken word poets often use their work to explore personal experiences, social issues, and spiritual themes.

Spoken word poetry has become increasingly popular in recent years, with poets such as Maya Angelou, Amanda Gorman, and Kendrick Lamar gaining widespread recognition. Spoken word poetry has also been used as a tool for social change, with poets speaking out against racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression.

The Future of Slam and Spoken Word Poetry

Slam and spoken word poetry are vibrant and ever-evolving genres. They continue to provide a powerful platform for African Americans to express their voices and to make a difference in the world.

In Blackness and the Making of Slam and Spoken Word Communities, I explore the rich history, cultural significance, and future prospects of slam and spoken word poetry. This book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in these genres or in the African American oral tradition.

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Killing Poetry: Blackness and the Making of Slam and Spoken Word Communities

by Javon Johnson

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3549 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	170 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE