On May 30, 2026, something special happened in Savannah.
Young people from across the Southeast stepped onto the stage at the Southwest Library and shared their stories, truths, fears, hopes, and dreams during Deep Center’s first-ever Savannah Youth Poetry Slam, presented in partnership with Live Oak Public Libraries. What started as an idea to create a platform for youth voices became something far greater…community.
The day began with a poetry workshop led by nationally recognized slam poet and Savannah native Nathan Wallace. Youth gathered to write, revise, and strengthen their performance skills while learning how to transform personal experiences into powerful spoken word pieces. Throughout the workshop, participants were encouraged to take risks and remember that their stories matter. The room was filled with laughter and provided the space to build new connections.
Slam Competition Winners: Eden Bullard, London Patt, and Kayonna Mitchell
After the workshop and lunch, the energy shifted as poets prepared for the preliminary rounds. Competitors from across Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, Florida, and the Deep Center’s very own Slam team stepped to the microphone and shared original work on topics ranging from identity and mental health to family, social issues, love, and resilience. Each room overflowed with guests all listening closely as each poet brought their perspective to the stage. By the end of the preliminary rounds, ten finalists had earned their place in the evening competition.
As the final stage began, once again, families, friends, community members, and supporters packed the room to witness Savannah’s young poets compete for cash prizes and the title of champion. Nathan Wallace closed the evening with a featured performance that reminded everyone why spoken word remains one of the most powerful forms of storytelling.
What stood out most was not the competition itself; it was the impact. Again and again, attendees spoke about the power of hearing young people tell their stories.
Quotes from Attendees
Those words capture exactly what happened that day.
The Savannah Youth Poetry Slam was never just about winning. It was about creating a space where young people felt seen, heard, and valued. It was about reminding our community that youth voices deserve a microphone.
The event also highlighted the incredible talent that exists right here in our region. Throughout the day, poets challenged us to think differently, listen more closely, and see the world through their eyes. Their words sparked laughter, tears, reflection, and standing ovations.
To every poet who stepped on stage, every family member who cheered from the audience, every volunteer who helped make the day possible, and our partners at Live Oak Public Libraries—thank you for helping make history.
This was only the beginning, and we can’t wait to see what these young poets do next.