The Word is a transformative literary arts program for New Haven young people. The Word partners experienced teaching poets, award-winning spoken-word artists, and emcees with creative students, teachers, and administrators across the city to equip youth to become stronger poets and culture creators.
The Word Lit Cyphers
Once a month, our teaching artists gather musicians, poets, and creators of all ages – including young people from our residencies and Weekly Word Workshops - in a celebratory Lit Cypher. Lit Cyphers features a different theme each month, special guest performers, a lightning writing workshop for audience members, and an open mic where participants share new work. Our March and April Lit Cyphers are tentatively scheduled for the fourth Thursday of each month.
CITYWIDE YOUTH POETRY JAMS
Young poets, spoken word artists and rappers from dozens of New Haven schools, organizations and beyond share their work in a non-competitive celebration of youth voice and power.
Citywide Youth Poetry Jams
lift.every.voice
Photos by Judy Rosenthal
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Each year The Word culminates with a public performance called The Citywide Youth Poetry Jam that serves the students, their families, and community members. Typically, we host the annual Citywide Youth Poetry Jam during National Poetry Month in April. At the events, student poets and guests have the opportunity to perform their work for their peers and community.
