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KING OF POETRY BLAQ ICE
Home
THE STORY
VIDEOS
Gallery
BLAQ MARKET
ACTIVISM
TOUR DATES
NTL SPOKEN WORD AWARDS
NATIONAL SPOKEN WORD FEST
LEGENDS OF CHICAGO HIPHOP
DJ TONY SWAAGA
SIMEON CLASS OF 1990
THE P.O.E.T MOVEMENT
BLAQ ICE REVIEWS
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  • Home
  • THE STORY
  • VIDEOS
  • Gallery
  • BLAQ MARKET
  • ACTIVISM
  • TOUR DATES
  • NTL SPOKEN WORD AWARDS
  • NATIONAL SPOKEN WORD FEST
  • LEGENDS OF CHICAGO HIPHOP
  • DJ TONY SWAAGA
  • SIMEON CLASS OF 1990
  • THE P.O.E.T MOVEMENT
  • BLAQ ICE REVIEWS
  • Home
  • THE STORY
  • VIDEOS
  • Gallery
  • BLAQ MARKET
  • ACTIVISM
  • TOUR DATES
  • NTL SPOKEN WORD AWARDS
  • NATIONAL SPOKEN WORD FEST
  • LEGENDS OF CHICAGO HIPHOP
  • DJ TONY SWAAGA
  • SIMEON CLASS OF 1990
  • THE P.O.E.T MOVEMENT
  • BLAQ ICE REVIEWS

THE NATIONAL SPOKEN WORD FEST

ABOUT THE NSWF

 

The NATIONAL SPOKEN WORD FEST, formerly known as the P.O.E.T UNITY CONVENTION and NATIONAL POETRY FEST CHICAGO, was founded by De'Andre Hawthorne aka King Of Poetry Blaq Ice  from Chicago. The fest has been going on since July of 2010. The 14th annual festival is sure to be the biggest since it's inception.

This free Spoken Word concert includes, live performances from Poets around the world, volleyball, softball, jump rope, board games, card games, dominoes, swimming, food, music and fun. Bring your chairs, blankets, grills and a festive spirit as we uplift, motivate and inspire the community through POETRY.

WHEN AND WHERE

 

The NATIONAL SPOKEN WORD FEST takes place every year, the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend. The NATIONAL SPOKEN WORD FEST is held at Hayes Park in Chicago, located at 2936 W 85th St, Chicago, IL 60652. If there is a rain out, it will be moved to that Sunday on the same weekend.

The fest is from 11am until 4pm and is hosted by the P.O.E.T organization (www.iampoet.org) and co-hosted by the Chicago Poetry community.  It is attended by poets all around the world and

NSWA WEEKEND

From red carpet premieres to major music festivals, we're on the ground covering the biggest events in the industry. Get a front-row seat to all the action.

INCREDIBLE MOMENTS AT THE 2025 NATIONAL SPOKEN WORD PEACE FEST

    2024 national spoken word fest highlights

    THE 2ND ANNUAL NSWF POETRY SLAM

    THE P.O.E.T MOVEMENT HOST OF THE NSWF 2024

    THE P.O.E.T MOVEMENT

      P.O.E.T (People Of Extraordinary Talent) burst onto the scene in 1990, thanks to the visionary Blaq Ice (De'Andre Hawthorne) in the vibrant city of Chicago. For over three thrilling decades, P.O.E.T has been electrifying the Chicago Public Schools and City Colleges with their dynamic, anti-drug, anti-gang performances. They don't just offer a powerful "No" to the challenges of our time—they ignite a resounding "Yes!" to a future filled with self-empowerment, self-love, self-respect, and self-sufficiency. Dive into the movement that’s been transforming lives and lighting up hearts across the city! 

    2024 national spoken word fest highlights

    BLAQ ICE RECEIVES THE 2024 DUBCEEZ LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

    NATIONAL SPOKEN WORD FEST HIGHLIGHTS

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    THE NATIONAL SPOKEN WORD FRIDAY OPEN MIC W/TEAM AT Ease

    TEAM AT EASE

     

    At Ease Sundays is one of the longest-running open mic poetry sets in the Chicagoland area, offering a platform for both beginners and seasoned poets. On Friday, August 30, 2024, At Ease will host a special National Spoken Word Edition.

    THE NATIONAL SPOKEN WORD FEST HIGHLIGHTS

    IT'S ALL ABOUT THE YOUTH

    GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

    THE MEMORIES

    Social

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