RIVIERA BEACH — Middle and high school students from public and private schools in Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties are being invited to audition for the Palm Beach Association of Black Journalists’ Words Not Weapons 2011 Poetry Slam scheduled for Saturday, June 18, at Inlet Grove High School in Riviera Beach.


The contest strives to promote creative expression as a non-violent resolution to conflict. Students will be asked to perform two original poems for the audition. One poem reflecting the theme, “Words Not Weapons,” is recommended.

Prizes will be awarded.

West Palm Beach Police Chief Delsa Bush will be the keynote speaker at the event and Write Side Poets founder Ray Dominguez will be the master of ceremonies.

Members of the Write Side Poets have appeared in the HBO documentary series Russell Simmons Presents Brave New Voices.

Video auditions will be accepted through Monday, June 6. Students may upload videos to PBABJ’s group page on Facebook (search for Palm Beach Association of Black Journalists). Videos also may be submitted to kywalk10@aol.com or pbabj_press@yahoo.com.

For more information, call PBABJ president Rhonda Swan at 561- 820-4840, or contest organizers Kyoto Walker at 561-389-2902.