Rounds

The competition will consist of 3 rounds leading up to the final performance in NYC.

  • The Langston Hughes Round 1 will be virtual with approximately 20 organizations in CPD’s network- with 5 online video submissions for each- 100 total contestants.

  • The Pedro Pietri Round 2 will be 3 regional competitions, on a highly- produced zoom. We will pick a winner from each of the 3 regions to compete in the final national slam. Additionally, we will pick 3 winners via an open call for poets from around the country who are not in the CPD network. These 3 out-of-network winners cannot win the final but will be invited to the final as featured guests.

  • The Nikki Giovanni Round 3 final will be in-person, featuring the 3 regional finalists and 3 at large poets. All finalists will have their travel to NYC covered. In addition, all finalists will receive an exclusive poetry workshop from Lemon Andersen and the opportunity to attend a Broadway play.