History of Spoken Word

The history of spoken word is rich and diverse, spanning cultures and time periods. Spoken word, also known as performance poetry or slam poetry, is an oral art form that emphasizes the spoken word as the primary mode of expression. It often combines elements of poetry, storytelling, theater, and music to create a powerful and engaging performance.

Beat Generation

While the roots of spoken word can be traced back to ancient forms of oral storytelling and poetry recitation, the modern history of spoken word as a distinct art form can be attributed to the Beat Generation of the 1950s and 1960s. Influenced by countercultural movements and fueled by a desire for self-expression, Beat poets like Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and Lawrence Ferlinghetti embraced spontaneous and improvisational performance styles that laid the groundwork for what would become known as spoken word.

Black Arts Movement

In the 1970s and 1980s, spoken word gained further momentum with the emergence of the Black Arts Movement and the rise of performance poets like Amiri Baraka, Sonia Sanchez, and The Last Poets. These poets used their performances to address social and political issues, and their powerful words resonated with audiences, particularly within Black communities.

Poetry Slams

In the 1980s and 1990s, spoken word gained wider recognition and popularity with the emergence of poetry slams. Poetry slams are competitive events where poets perform their work before a live audience and are judged by a panel. The popularity of poetry slams led to the establishment of slam poetry as a distinct form within the spoken word genre.

Over the years, spoken word has continued to evolve and expand, with poets from diverse backgrounds using the art form to express their unique experiences and perspectives. Spoken word has become a platform for marginalized voices, allowing them to reclaim their narratives and challenge social norms.

Continuing Legacy

Today, spoken word is performed in various settings, including open mic nights, poetry festivals, and dedicated spoken word venues. It has also gained traction through digital platforms, allowing poets to reach wider audiences and connect with communities around the world.

The history of spoken word is a testament to the power of oral storytelling and the enduring impact of words spoken aloud. It has provided a platform for poets to share their truths, inspire change, and create a sense of community through the shared experience of live performance.

Women in Spoken Word

Women have played a significant and influential role in the world of spoken word. Their contributions have shaped the art form, challenged societal norms, and provided a platform for their unique perspectives and experiences.

Women have been at the forefront of spoken word since its early beginnings. Poets such as Gwendolyn Brooks, Maya Angelou, and Nikki Giovanni (all of whom you’ve read about already) emerged as influential figures, using their performances to address issues of race, gender, and social justice. Their powerful words and captivating performances paved the way for future generations of women in spoken word.

Spoken word has provided a space for women to express feminist ideas, challenge patriarchal norms, and advocate for women’s rights. Poets like Audre Lorde, Adrienne Rich, and Sonia Sanchez used spoken word as a means of empowerment and to amplify the voices and experiences of women.

Women of diverse backgrounds and identities have made significant contributions to spoken word. They have brought attention to the intersectionality of gender, race, sexuality, and other social identities, highlighting the complex and nuanced experiences of women. Poets such as Warsan Shire, Patricia Smith, and Sarah Kay have used spoken word to explore the intersections of identity and challenge societal expectations.

Spoken word has also fostered a sense of community and solidarity among women. Women-centric open mic nights, poetry slams, and workshops have provided safe spaces for women to share their stories, support one another, and create connections. Organizations like Sister Spit and Women of the World Poetry Slam have specifically focused on promoting and celebrating women’s voices in spoken word.

Women in spoken word have used their performances to address a wide range of social issues and inspire change. They have spoken out against gender inequality, violence against women, reproductive rights, body image, and other pressing concerns. Through their poetic activism, women in spoken word have sparked conversations and prompted social and political transformations.

The contributions of women in spoken word have expanded the art form, challenged norms, and provided a platform for diverse voices. Their work has not only impacted the spoken word community but also influenced broader conversations on gender, equality, and social justice. Women continue to be at the forefront of this vibrant and dynamic art form, shaping its future and inspiring generations to come.

Video:  Celeste, Cyndi. “Asking for It Spoken Word.”  YouTube, uploaded by Cyndi Celeste, 10 Dec. 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVew6oqOYaw, CC BY

Follow the links below to check out a few inspirational spoken word poems from women artists.  Warning: Explicit Language/Sensitive Content.

Jae Nichelle – “Friends with Benefits”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vKL5K_n6Z0

Zariya Allen, Belissa Escoloedo, and Rhiannon McGavin

“Somewhere in America”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OadZpUJv8Eg

Amanda Gorman – “The Hill We Climb”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ055ilIiN4

Porsha O.  — “Angry Black Woman”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSoITsaSs0M

Sabrina Benaim — “Explaining My Depression to My Mother”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqu4ezLQEUA

Emi Mahmoud – “How to Translate a Joke”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq-W_GLxsUs

Rachel Wiley – “When We Were Kings”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZZ54mOuTtE

Sources