The Word is a transformative literary arts program powered by an intergenerational cooperative of diverse, justice-minded spoken word artists. The Word builds community by growing radically inclusive writing and performance programs grounded in poetry, rap, and song. Through its many partnerships, The Word brings a creative life force into social action groups, movements, and institutions – expanding our collective capacity to re-imagine ourselves and our world.
High School Chapbook
These courageous young voices speak the unfiltered truths that many adults have forgotten or chosen to ignore. In this powerful collection, our poets have fearlessly ventured into the depths
of their inner worlds, offering their souls with raw vulnerability and lyrical precision. With striking social commentary, poignant reflections on family, and fearless self-exploration, they
wield language not just as expression—but as revelation. Their poems explore the many faces of love: love that warms the spirit, love that leaves scars, and love that mends what has been
broken. This is far more than a collection of poems; it is a living archive of resilience, insight, and the unmistakable brilliance of Connecticut’s rising generation. We invite you to open your heart, turn each page with intention, and bear witness to the clarity and courage of these remarkable young voices.
Jason “Jahsun” Dorsey
2019 MIDDLE SCHOOL JAM
The 2019 Citywide Middle School Poetry Jam featured 5th through 8th grade New Haven Public School students sharing their original poetry, spoken word, and rap. Some young authors, in collaboration with the International Festival of Arts & Ideas, took inspiration from New Haven’s 2019 NEA Big Read book, Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake, to create poems about identity and change. The evening began with a bilingual performance by New Haven Academy sophomore Alan Veloz, included a brilliant guest appearance by Dee TruePoetry, and ended with a bilingual poem created collectively by the performers and audience.
