support the voice of our future!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooTP2xLzltY

I’m inspired by & support Young poets, free thinkers, writers, talent,… and I’m so excited that the 900+ of the best of the best from 50 cities across the u.s. descend on Chicago Tues 7/14 to Sun 7/19 for the spectacular, internationally renowned, 12th Annual Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Fest presented by Youth Speaks Inc. in partnership with Columbia College & Young Chicago Authors.

Chicago South Side native, poetry slam champion and Youth Speaks Artist-in-Residence Mayda del Valle was one of 3 from the 2008 Brave New Voices event and HBO series “Russell Simmons Presents Brave New Voices” (narrated by Queen Latifah), who just attended the White House poetry jam hosted by President Obama and his wife… check this lil cool behind the scene video from the trip!

join me in enjoying all the events throughout the week especially:

Tuesday, July 14th

Opening Ceremony

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Grand Ballroom

112 South Michigan Avenue

5 to 7pm

Wednesday, July 15th

Brave New Voices Speak Green

Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies

610 South Michigan Avenue

7 to 9:30pm

Thursday, July 16th

Quarter Final Round of the International Youth Poetry Slam (All 50 teams)

9:30 am – 8:30 pm

5 Venues in Buildings on Wabash around Columbia College of Chicago

*Hokin Lecture Hall – 623 South Wabash

*Hoken Annex – 623 South Wabash

*Music Center (Concert Hall) – 1014 South Michigan Avenue

*618 South Michigan Avenue

*Ferguson Hall – 600 South Michigan Avenue

Friday, July 17th

Bringing the Noise Concert

Featuring Saul Williams, Typical Cats, Alix Olson, Ang 13, Def Poets, Beau Sia, Lemon, roger Bonair-Agard and more

The Theatre School of DePaul University’s

The Merle Reskin Theatre

60 East Balbo Drive

7:30 to 9pm

Saturday, July 18th

Grand Slam Finals of the International Youth Poetry Slam

Chicago Theatre

175 North State Street

Tickets, $8 youth, $18 general, $50 VIP

7 to 10pm  

www.bravenewvoices.org