Wise Words: Great Lakes Griot Slam

Wise Words: Great Lakes Griot Slam

📍 Chicago, IL📅 September 18–21, 2025

The Wise Words: Great Lakes Griot Slam is a dynamic, regional team poetry slam rooted in the storytelling traditions of the Midwest and the Great Lakes. This two-day competition invites some of the dopest teams from across the region and beyond to battle it out for a $1500 grand prize, the title of Griot Slam Champion, and poetic bragging rights that ripple through the culture.

This is not just a slam, it’s a gathering of wordsmiths, warriors, and witnesses. Inspired by the griot tradition, where the poet is a vessel of history, soul, and truth, this event uplifts original voices that speak to both legacy and liberation. Whether you're repping the rust belt, spitting from the soul of Chicago, or bringing that lakefront lyricism, this is where the region meets the mic.

🔥 Slam Format:

This is a teams-only competition (no…