New Jersey Poetry Out Loud

Thank you to everyone who expressed interest in Poetry Ourselves Presents: SpeakRoots. We heard from many of you about challenges with traveling to Red Bank, and we want to make sure this opportunity remains accessible to as many students as possible.

Because of that, we are shifting this year’s program to a virtual format.

Scan the QR code or visit https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheBasie1/PoetryOurselvesPresentsSpeakRootsRegistrationForm to RSVP.

LET'S GO NJ! Please comment all of your good vibes to Joy as we make way to the Poetry Out Loud National Finals week. GO JOY!

Congratulations are in order for Evelynn Knox, our 2026 NJPOL State Runner-Up, who took the stage at the New Jersey Theatre Alliance Curtain Call in honor of the one and only Kevin O'Brien.

Special thanks to John McEwen and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance for continuing to celebrate and uplift artists across the state.

Congratulations to Joy Ogunsakin, the 2026 NJPOL State Champion who opened as a storyteller and poet for at the T Thomas Fortune House yesterday afternoon in Red Bank, NJ.

2026 New Jersey Poetry Out Loud Champion Joy Ogunsakin will be headed down to DC this month to compete in the National Finals! 👏

A huge congratulations to Joy and all of our state & jurisdictional champions who will join us April 28 & 29 for the semifinals and finals. Be sure to tune in at arts.gov or come by GW's Lisner Auditorium to watch them compete!

More details at arts.gov/Poetry-Out-Loud 🎙✨

Poetry Ourselves is now open for registration.

This opportunity is designed for NJPOL participants looking to deepen their relationship with poetry beyond recitation through writing, performance, and creative exploration. Participants will engage in guided workshops, connect with experienced mentors, and have the chance to share their work in a live slam setting.

Spots are limited. Register today to continue building your voice and community.

Not everyone sees the work that happens before the stage.

Before the 10 AM show time, our finalists are already in motion...warming up, grounding their nerves, building community, and yes… sneaking in a few photo moments.

It’s more than a competition. It’s preparation, connection, and showing up for yourself and each other before the spotlight even hits. 🎤✨

You did the recitation...now it’s your turn to write.
Poetry Ourselves: SpeakRoots for students who competed in Regional Competitions this year | June 6, 2026

Workshops + slam + real community with NJPOL students across the state.

Emai: [email protected] to confirm your eligibility.