Slam poetry is an expressive art form frequently used as a medium for social and political reflection.
"Spoken word poetry is the art of performance poetry. I tell people it involves creating poetry that doesn't just want to sit on paper, that something about it demands it be heard out loud or witnessed in person." -Sarah Kay
Here are 10 slam poems worth listening to that raise awareness to different issues in society and start conversations that matter.
1. "Unsaid" by Amin Drew Law
Amin Drew Law reveals the demeaning nature of the justice system in America by sharing his emotional, painfully honest prison experience.
2. "Life In Reverse" by Gray Thomas
Gray Thomas offers the unique perspective of living life in reverse and watching events unfold backwards. He uses this uncommon method of storytelling to express grief over the loss of his friend Mackenzie, a heroin addict.
3. "The Loneliest Sweet Potato" by Sabrina Benaim
Sabrina Benaim speaks about her loneliness and how she tries to cope with it by going to the grocery store and pretending to be a regular shopper like everyone else.
4. "Rigged Game" by Dylan Garity
Dylan Garity speaks about educational inequality and how our country operates in a way that leaves behind children in need instead of helping them move forward with the other students. Garity acknowleges his own privilege in the educational system and proclaims that "The winners of a rigged game should not be able to write the rules."
5. "Letter To Your Flag" by Ronald Vinson
Ronald Vinson questions our nation's anthem by calling attention to the fact that African-Americans are not given the same freedoms as whites. "One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice...for who?"
6. "40 Love Letters" by Jeanann Verlee
Jeanann Verlee speaks in letters to the men she's had romantic experiences with, repeatedly coming back to memories of the same man from her past who she can't seem to get out of her head.
7. “What Teachers Make” by Taylor Mali
Taylor Mali responds to an insulting comment that undermines the role of teachers in the world. He speaks about his experience as a teacher, the effects he's had on his students, and the effects they've had on him.
8. "Me, But Happy" by Neil Hilborn
Neil Hilborn speaks about being able to find genuine happiness and love even when struggling through something as debilitating as mental illness.
9. "Facts About Myself" by Tucker Bryant
Tucker Bryant begins speaks about society's view of masculinity and strength. He admits, "I don't know what it means to be a man, and for awhile, I thought the weightroom could tell me."
10. "Ten Responses to the Phrase 'Man Up'" by Guante
Guante speaks about the deeper implications of the phrase "man up" and how it promotes ideas of damaging hypermasculinity in society. He says he wants to be strong in a way that isn't about physical power and questions what it really means to be a man.
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