Mandela Day Poetry Slam Rules

Theme: “It Is In Your Hands”
Saturday July 18 | Washington Gladden Social Justice Park | 3:00 PM

The Mandela Day Poetry Slam is a community-centered event that celebrates the power of words to inspire justice, courage, and collective action. The theme for this year’s United Nations Nelson Mandela International Day —“It Is In Your Hands”—calls on each poet to explore responsibility, freedom, and hope in their own voice.

Audience: Admission is free to the public. Registration is required for Poets.

Eligibility:

• Open to anyone 18 years or older.

• All poems must be original work by the performer.

Performance Guidelines:

• No music, costumes, or props.

• Poets may read from a device or paper if desired.

• Round 1 poems may be up to 3 minutes and 30 seconds long.

• Subsequent rounds may be up to 4 minutes.

• A 10-second grace period is allowed; after that, 1 point will be deducted for going over time.

• Timing begins with the first word, sound, or movement indicating the poem has started.

Theme Requirement:

• The first-round poem must clearly relate to the event’s theme, “It Is In Your Hands, Social Justice and Equity” to be eligible to advance to later rounds.

Competition Format:

• The slam will include 3 rounds with elimination after each round.

• Poets will draw numbers to determine order in Round 1.

• In subsequent rounds, the poet with the highest previous score will go first; the round will close with the poet holding the lowest score

• Scores are cumulative, and the highest-scoring poets will advance each round

Scoring:

• Judges will score each poem based on:

  • Content (including relevance to the theme)

  • Delivery

  • Connection to the audience and overall impact

Prizes:

• 1st Place: $200

• 2nd Place: $150

• 3rd Place: $100

• Poets must be registered by July 16th to participate

Jamar Turner

Jamar Turner, known as Marmi the Griot, is a poet, public artist, national speaker, and founder of Poetry Caviar, a platform dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and bringing poetry into traditional and unconventional spaces. Raised in Columbus and the son of gospel pianist Jeffrey Turner, Jamar blends creativity, theology, and community in all aspects of his work. He holds training in public theology and has studied at Ohio Christian University, The Ohio State University’s John Glenn Institute, and Ashland Theological Seminary, with a focus on leadership, nonprofit management, and the intersection of history and faith.

Jamar has organized poetry challenges, curated events across the country, and participated in national conferences addressing the role of the arts in social change. He was honored as the “Most Supportive Poet” by the Say Word poetry community, reflecting his dedication to nurturing emerging talent and fostering collaboration.

In addition to his creative work, Jamar serves as a spiritual care expert at the James Cancer Hospital, offering emotional and spiritual support to patients facing chronic illness and end-of-life care. His holistic approach to healing is mirrored in his art, which he sees as a powerful tool for comfort, connection, and transformation.

Guided by his personal mission- “I am a minister of words and pictures”-Jamar continues to push boundaries and ensure the arts remain a vital force for justice, healing, and social impact.
For inquiries and collaborations, contact Jamar at:
jamar.turner14@gmail.com
**Instagram:** @marmithegriot

 **Facebook:**Jamar Turner (Marmi The Griot)   
**Linktree:** Jamar Turner @ Linktree