More than half of Cincinnati’s youth are living in poverty. Many may not feel like they have a voice. Louder than a Bomb, the world’s largest youth poetry slam, gives them a chance to speak out. Originating in Chicago in 2001, this contest is meant to unite young people, enabling them to hear one another’s stories and share experiences through spoken word. The finals for the local contest will take place April 9 in the Corbett Theater at the School for Creative and Performing Arts.
Joining us to talk about Louder than a Bomb and how it encourages youth expression are Director of the TAFT Research Center, Dr. Adrian Parr; Spoken Word Instructor for the youth organization Elementz, Jori An Cotton; and architect Terry Boling. They are all part of the Louder than a Bomb “Cincy Team.”
Show note: One of the young performers heard during the show was introduced as Lena Alpero. Her correct name is Lena Alpern.