SPOKEN WORD POETRY
Ed Mabrey, Poet, 2022 AATCLC Social Injustice and Tobacco Spoken Word Contest Winner
The AATCLC offers spaces across the nation for artists to perform, appreciate poetry, and discuss the social justice impacts of menthol tobacco products in our communities.
SPOKEN WORD
Audience, 2024 AATCLC Denver, CO Social Injustice and Tobacco Spoken Word Contest
In these competitions, poets perform their own original work on the social injustices of menthol tobacco product marketing and availability in the Black Community. Performers are judged on a numeric scale by judges selected by the AATCLC, and the first, second, and third-place winners receive cash prizes.
The AATCLC and partners have hosted in-person spoken word contests in cities across the nation, such as Los Angeles, CA; Buffalo, NY; Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA; Denver, CO; and Baltimore, MD. These live events have a profound impact, touching the hearts of community members and policymakers and spotlighting local talent!!!
ABOUT
Vae Toliver, 2nd Place Winner, 2024 AATCLC Denver, CO Social Injustice and Tobacco Spoken Word Contest
Poets from the original ‘You Don’t Want That Smoke” Spoken Word Blog
Artists who participated in the Mini-Grant Program
Tasha "SixFootah ThePoet" Turner, "No to Tobacco"
FEATURED POETS
Theo Wilson, Host, 2024 AATCLC Denver, CO Social Injustice and Tobacco Spoken Word Contest
“Big tobacco is the temptress--Overpolicing?
They really tried to use our suffering against us. It doesn't get any lower than that.”
‘What Did They Say, 2024, Ryon Everidge, Poet
“I’m tired of seeing Black boys and girls go into caskets too soon due to cancer tumors, and the best they ever looked was the day they were laid to rest. Funny how the best suit you got is the one you die in.”
Ed Mabrey, Poet, 2022 AATCLC Social Injustice and Tobacco Spoken Word Contest, 2022 National Spoken Word Contest Winner
QUOTES
'Warning', Performed and Written by Sophia Braziel, Poet, 2023 AATCLC Mini Grant Recipient
PAST EVENTS
NEW YORK CITY, NY - 2025
CHICAGO, IL - 2025
PAST WINNERS
CHICAGO, IL - 2025
VAI SHAKOOR
Vai Shakoor is a spoken word artist, actress, and author from Chicago, Illinois, and the creator of The Vai Print.
With a foundation in youth slam poetry, she has competed in Louder Than a Bomb and Brave New Voices, later earning a nomination for Slam Poet of the Year at the National Spoken Word Awards.
Vai has performed at prestigious venues such as Willis Tower, shared her work with legendary figures like Useni Perkins, and been featured across Illinois, Atlanta, and Texas.
Committed to using poetry as a tool for change, she continues to advocate for issues close to her heart, including sexual assault awareness, body positivity, and mental health.
Contact Vai Shakoor at:
Follow Vai on Insta: @vaishakoor
JAVON J. SMITH, M.ED.
Javon J. Smith, M.Ed., is a poet, educator, and director whose work lives at the intersection of performance and social transformation. Writing poetry since the age of twelve, Javon first gained recognition as a regional and sectional champion in poetry reading with the Illinois High School Association before transitioning into a decorated coaching career, guiding students to state and national finals. His artistry has been featured with the Guild Literary Complex, Chicago Humanities Festival, Young Chicago Authors, Chicago SlamWorks, Brooks Day, and on the stages of MPAACT Theatre and Victory Gardens Theatre. A two-time Louder Than a Bomb College Slam champion and winner of the Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Award, Javon continues to merge his literary craft with his commitment to arts education. As a veteran English educator and speech coach, he has shaped generations of young voices and remains dedicated to cultivating spaces where creativity and scholarship thrive.
Contact Javon J. Smith, M.Ed at:
Follow Javon on Instagram: @javonjsmith
VERONICA "QUEEN V" PERKINS
At just 25 years old, Veronica “Queen V” Perkins is already making waves in the world of spoken word poetry. Known for her commanding stage presence and thought-provoking content, Queen V is a Chicago-based performer who blends art and activism to both entertain and educate. She began writing and performing at the age of 10 and has since developed a voice that resonates deeply with audiences.
Veronica’s artistry is rooted in purpose—she writes to uplift, to challenge, and to bring awareness to issues that matter. With a decade of experience and a future full of promise, Queen V is a voice you won’t want to miss.
Contact Veronica Perkins at:
Follow Veronica on Instagram: @queenn.ve