Philly poets make it big on the national stage

By Ashley Joy Stephens

What started out as small group of poets collaborating with each other has now developed into a nationally recognized organization for Philadelphia’s youth poets.

The Philadelphia Youth Poetry Movement is a non-profit organization that focuses on empowering city teens through spoken word and performance. The group is sponsored by Resources for Human Development’s New Beginnings non-profit incubator program.

PYPM has been making an impact in the lives of Philadelphia’s youth since 2004. Founder Gregory Corbin, who students describe as “a burning super nova in a field of dying stars” created a platform for the next generation to be heard through the power of poetry. The Lincoln University graduate’s goal was and still is to shape Philadelphia’s youth into unique and intellectual individuals.

Just recently, six of PYPM’s artists were featured on the HBO docu-series Brave New Voices. Brave New Voices, the largest ongoing spoken word event in the world, highlighted 50 teams from all over the globe for a chance to perform on “Final Stage.”

This year’s competition took place from July 19 – July 24 in Los Angeles, where over 500 poets gathered for a week full of workshops, slams, and performances.

PYPM made it to semifinals where they placed second to New York. However, the judges agreed that PYPM had one of the best new pieces, so they were able to perform on “Final Stage.” PYPM members claimed that rapper Talib Kweli tweeted “Brave New Voices poets are blowing my mind right now,” immediately after their performance.

Although they did not place first, the experience was one that members say they won’t forget.

“It was a wonderful experience,” says PYPM Slam team member Sinnea Douglas, 17. “It was a beautiful week out in L.A. and I was with some of the most beautiful people on this Earth.”

The preparation for Brave New voices began at The Science Leadership Academy in downtown Philadelphia. Located at 22nd and Arch streets, PYPM hosts free workshops every Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. for high school students.

The workshop topics discuss issues such as violence, gender relations and education. At a recent workshop, Temple University professor Nuala Cabral led a discussion about the media and its impact in ther community.

Cabral emphasized to the students not to be a passive audience, but an active audience.

“Don’t be a passive audience, do something,” Cabral told the young poets. “The most powerful thing we can do as artists is to do something else. Let them know, I am a thinking individual and I make my own decisions.”

After analyzing media literacy, the group reflected on things they could possibly do as an audience to make change, before writing new pieces. By hosting free workshops every Saturday, PYPM uplifts their students, emphasizing the power of their voice.

PYPM mentor Perry DiVirgilio gave the group inspiring words acknowledging that they have transformed from a movement to a revolution. When the workshops began about a year ago, there were only five students in attendance. Due to word of mouth, performances, and national recognition, the group has now grown to nearly 30 students.

Slam League Coordinator Matthew Key, who began working with PYPM earlier this year, says enjoys seeing the youth poets’ progress in their writing and performance. He feels as though it benefits him in a subliminal way.

”I’m an artist and I like being around other artists,” says Kay, who also teaches at the Science Leadership Academy. “You always become better that way.”

Anthony Hyland, 18, PYPM’s featured poet in July, says feels as though it was necessary for him to “step his game up” once he became a part of the group. He believes he transitioned from a simple writer into a performance poet.

“I’ve definitely grown a lot,” said Hyland. “Some of the things I write about and say now, I’m like whoa, I never even thought I’d be at that level.”

Hyland, who performed his What Is Education piece in front of Mayor Michael Nutter at City Hall’s first ever poetry slam, says he wants more men to join the poetry movement.

“Definitely get involved,” he says to would-be poets. “We come out to these events and see a lot of young women, but we have to get the young brothers out so we can be strong too.”

PYPM mentors have shaped these young poets to be open and humble, and the students appreciate their efforts.

“We love our mentors,” Hyland says. “What I learned most from them is that there’s nothing wrong with being yourself and giving your all, even when others are looking.”

You can check out The Philly Youth Poetry Movement on August 21st from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Rotunda, 40th and Walnut, for the Focus On Education event.

You are also invited to attend a free workshop every Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. at The Science Leadership Academy at 55 N. 22nd St. Philadelphia.

To find out more information about The Philly Poetry Movement, please visit www.pypm215.org.