Tobacco Control Poetry Contest

You are cordially invited to the Tobacco Control Poetry Contest, where words become powerful tools in the fight against tobacco. Presented by the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, The Center for Black Health and Equity, and The Poet Life, this awe-inspiring competition invites poets from all backgrounds to lend their voices to a critical cause. Harnessing the emotive power of spoken word poetry, we aim to ignite conversations, raise awareness, and inspire action towards a tobacco-free future. Join us as we blend creativity with advocacy, weaving verses that challenge, provoke, and ultimately, pave the way for healthier communities. Together, let's turn poetry into a force for change and take a stand against the tobacco epidemic. 

Each participant must pre-register online. Slots are limited so register as soon as possible to guarantee your spot. Your piece does not have to be finished for you to register.

1. Performers in the spoken word contest will be required to sign a media release form upon registration that allows us to record the event with audio and video equipment. Any entry may be used to educate our communities and publicize the social injustice of tobacco. We will not use your image or work for profit. Performers still own their works and can use them in any way they see fit.
2. Winners will be expected to participate in media interviews or publicity generated from the event.
3. Contestants must either be 18 years of age.
4. Please refrain from using profanity in your performance but otherwise have at it!
5. Each piece must be of the spoken word artist’s own creation and must be related to tobacco.  You are encouraged to visit www.savingblacklives.org for more resources and facts about tobacco use to include in your piece.
6. Spoken word artists must be respectful of the other participants in the contest.
7. Each participant must show up on time to the event.
8. Only one spoken word piece per artist can be performed for the contest.
9. Up to 5 minutes for each participant.​

Event Co-Sponsors:

• NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS OF AFRICAN AMERICANS IN HOUSING
• COLORADO BLACK HEALTH COLLABORATIVE
• COLORADO BLACK ROUND TABLE
• BLACK ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES COUNCIL
• COLORADO BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
• BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ACADEMY
• NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 0F REAL ESTATE BROKERS - DENVER
• NORTHEAST DENVER ISLAMIC CENTER
• AFRICAN AMERICAN TRADE ASSOCIATION