A Community Thrives: Speak Up!

Speak Up! is a multi-part initiative centered on a new book featuring 25 years of original youth poetry about racial equity and social justice. More than just a book of poems, the publication – which we will provide free to more than 300 SCORES partner schools across North America and public libraries in each of 11 SCORES cities, and offer for sale at bookstores, at poetry/literary venues, and digitally – will also include a foreword/afterword by acclaimed poets (e.g., Clint Smith, who recently appeared at our D.C. poetry showcase event), writing prompts to help inspired readers create their own work, a digital companion component (e.g. a searchable online poetry archive), and a book club/teaching guide that encourages readers to move beyond mere consumption of the works to active reflection and civic action.   

The original pieces selected for the book will be drawn from 25 years of works created by America SCORES’ participants, nearly all children of color, ages 8-14, from high-poverty neighborhoods. The selected pieces will address racial equity & social justice from kids’ perspectives, in kids’ own words. Communities across America will be exposed to previously hidden voices & inspired to active reflection and civic action.