Seventh Annual Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival Ignites the Stage

Spoken Word Artists from Across the Nation Competed

The Seventh Annual Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival captivated audiences with a dynamic blend of poetry, writing workshops and artists talks. This three-day extravaganza, December 12-14, 2024, showcased the extraordinary talents of 30 poets from across the nation who competed for cash prizes. The festival immersed attendees in a world of creativity and expression, offering a diverse range of events occurring at Pompano Beach’s cultural venues, culminating with the exciting Final Stage slam.

“Exit 36 remains committed to fostering a vibrant arts community and celebrating the power of words,” said Ty Tabing, Director of The City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department, operating as Pompano Beach Arts. “Our poets speak passionately about relevant social, cultural, and political topics creating an electric atmosphere for learning, understanding, and healing.”

This year’s spoken word artists include Wayne Henry (Dallas, TX), Maya White (Pittsburgh, PA), Asma (Charlotte, NC), Nathan Wallace (Atlanta, Ga), Rieka Speaks (Richmond, VA), Haley Graves (Orlando, FL), Flashlight (Port St. Lucie, FL), last-year’s winner Breeze (Richmond, VA), JonKel (Port St. Lucie, FL), Steven Willis (Chicago, IL), The GYEXP (Hampton Roads), Briana (New York), PoetryTeacher (Dallas, TX) Johnny Swoopz (Las Vegas, NV), Lady Brion (Baltimore, MD), Keith Edward Sowell (Fayetteville, NC), Arrie Lane (Detroit, Michigan), Orlando Poetry Slam (Orlando, FL), Chris (Miami Gardens, FL), Letitia (Fayetteville, NC), Caleb (Kissimmee, FL), Jadalmani (Greensboro, NC), Alex the Great (Dallas, TX),  Don (Texas), Georgia Lee (San Antonio, TX), Shaken Not Stirred (Sanford), SlimTruth (Orlando, FL), Jordan Bailey (Charlotte, NC), Ephraim Nehemiah (Baltimore, MD) and Avery Clair (Orlando, FL).

“We’re so lucky to have such a brilliant group of competitors who will inspire us with their words,” said Sharonda “Eccentrich” Richardson, festival founder. “I’m incredibly proud of all the amazing artists who’ve participated in Exit 36, sharing their deepest feelings while building a community of understanding, learning, compassion, and positive change.”

At the end of the Final Stage slam prizes were awarded for 3^rd place of $1,500, 2^ndplace of $2,500, and 1^st place of $5,000.