Knicks Poetry Slam Finals

Last night Justin from the Bronx took first place in the Knicks Poetry Slam Spoken Word Finals at New Amsterdam Theater, the first time the event was held on Broadway. The Knicks Poetry Slam was created in 2003 to reach high school youth by using the popularity of hip-hop and poetry as a vehicle to motivate and inspire expression through the written and spoken word. With the growth of the program, the Knicks and program partner Urban Word NYC have provided greater opportunities for high school students to use their poetic skills and talents to pursue higher education. The program serves over 10,000 students annually through school site visits, a Poetry Open Audition, a College Fair, Workshops and Poetry Slams. This year’s winners received college grants and prizes totaling more than $350,000.
Photos by Avi Gerver, ©Madison Square Garden, L.P.