Washington D.C. Poetry.com
A New Site for Washington D.C. Poets
Please support this site by donating and /or purchasing some of the merchandise from the links below. This site is presented by Steven Robert Heine. Heine is a disabled poet in his 70's. He was crippled in a fall several years ago and suffered a stroke in 2023. Your support will help cover costs of this site and provide more frequent updates.
Washington D.C. Poetry and Writing Groups.
Current Washington D.C. Poet Laureate:
Vacant
Position History:
Sterling Brown was appointed the first poet laureate of the District of Columbia by Mayor Marion Barry in May 1984. After Brown's death in 1989, the position became defunct until poet E. Ethelbert Miller submitted a proposal to restore the position to the city. Mr. Miller also recommended Dolores Kendrick for the position to the District of Columbia Commission on Arts and Humanities. She was approved and subsequently appointed by Mayor Anthony Williams on May 14, 1999. Kendrick served as laureate until her death in November 2017.
Previous Laureates:
Sterling Brown (May 1984-January 13, 1989)
Dolores Kendrick (May 14, 1999-November 7, 2017)
The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) is an independent agency in the District of Columbia government that evaluates and initiates action on matters relating to the arts and humanities and encourages programs and the development of programs that promote progress in the arts and humanities. As the designated state arts agency for the District of Columbia, CAH is supported primarily through District government funds and in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, a Federal agency.
The Beltway Poetry Quarterly provides links to poetry and writing organizations in the Washington D.C. area. It is an excellent resource.
The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) proudly presents the District of Columbia Finals for Poetry Out Loud™ in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation.The competition starts at 7:30 pm and will feature performances by local artists and arts organizations. High school students from DC public, charter and private schools will compete at the finals: Banneker High School, Capital City Public Charter School, District of Columbia International School, E.L. Haynes Public Charter School, St. Anselm's Abbey School and KIPP DC: College Preparatory.About Poetry Out Loud™ - Poetry Out Loud is a national competition that seeks to foster the next generation of literary readers by capitalizing on the latest trends in poetry - recitation and performance. The program builds on the resurgence of the oral art form of poetry, as seen in the slam poetry and spoken word movements. The program invites these dynamic aspects into the classroom, where teachers engage students through classroom memorization, performances and competition.About the Competition - The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation have partnered with the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) to support Poetry Out Loud, a FREE high school program which encourages the nation's youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This dynamic program helps high school students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, learn about their literary heritage, and compete for more than $100,000 in awards.
Poetry Out Loud is a wonderful program for students. The program helps the develop Stage and speaking skills, confidence and a love of poetry. Poetry really needs to be spoken to truly be enjoyed. Poetry Out Loud is a great program for students. To learn how to get your school involved in the competition, please see the link above.
Poetry Slams are events in which adults and students read and perform poetry for awards and prizes. There are many local events and even a National competition. Check with your local poetry group for the nearest Slam event and Slam schedules. Eventbrite provides a list of Poetry Slams and events in and near Washington D.C.
Folger Shakespeare Library
201 East Capitol Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003 provides performances and events that celebrate the work of Shakespeare. Although the library itself is currently closed for renovation, there is still plenty going on with the Organization. For more information, and a calendar, please see the link above.
World Foot Prints provides an excellent summary of the Washington D.C. poetry scene. This site covers everything to coverage of the thriving community of Washington D.C. poetry groups, to personalities, to poetry readings.
Busboys and Poets is one of my own favorite places to visit in the Washington D.C. area. Busboys and Poets has several locations and features local poets performing readings. Please see link above for details.
Split This Rock is a thriving poetry group in Washington D.C. that provides programs and contests for poets of all ages. They even sponsor a yearly poetry festival. Please see link above for more information on programs and poetry readings..
The Poets Life Festival is a yearly event. Details can be found on the link above.Date and time:
Sat, July 24, 2021,9:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT
Location:
2001 Mississippi Ave SE
2001 Mississippi Avenue Southeast
Washington, DC 20020You are invited to the Poet Life Fest where 'Community Is Like Poetry'! We are gathering to celebrate Education, Engagement, & Entertainment.
Steven Robert Heine is an American poet and author. He has spent much of his life supporting poetry projects and events. He is the author of 8 volumes of poetry. In 2011 he was seriously injured in a fall that left him in great pain and almost unable to walk. He suffered a stroke in 2023. Heine receives no disability and relies on a small pension and retirement income. He is no longer able to make public appearances.
We hope you will consider donating to this site as we try to get it updated. Also purchase some of the original tee-shirts and merchandise created by Steven Robert Heine.
Proceeds will help support this site and other poetry projects.Thank you!
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