We’re thrilled to launch the National Black History Month Poetry Competition 2023 as part of the Black History Month celebrations! To celebrate Black History Month 2023, we want to honour the amazing achievements and contributions of black women in various fields – from literature, music, science, politics, and social care to campaigners, nurses, and everyday heroes who have made a difference to our lives.
We want everyone to take part, so the competition is open to all primary, secondary, college, and university students across the UK, as well as members of the public who want to join in. We hope to recognise the significant impact of black women in a range of areas, while inspiring and empowering future generations.
We want you to learn about and celebrate black women who have made significant contributions in various fields. You can submit a poem about a pioneering black woman who has made an impact in their chosen field, explaining why she is an inspiration to you. Remember, the poems don’t have to be about famous people; they can be about members of your family, women who have inspired you in your community, or even about you and your experiences as a woman or young person. We want you to get creative and have fun with it!
All poems will be judged by a panel made up of experts from the world of poetry and literature, who will consider creativity, originality, and relevance to the competition theme. The judges will be looking for poems that capture the spirit of Black History Month and celebrate the achievements and contributions of black women.
The competition is open to primary, secondary, college, and university students across the UK, and there will be separate categories for each level. The competition will be judged by a panel of experts in literature and poetry, with winners announced on world poetry day is celebrated on 21 March 2024.
In addition to the publication of the winning poems, the top 32 poems will also be printed in a publication, providing further recognition for the poets and their works.
The National Black History Month Poetry Competition is a unique opportunity for you to engage with the achievements and contributions of black women while developing your creativity and literary skills. Whether you’re a student or a member of the public, we want you to be a part of this celebration! It’s also a great opportunity for teachers and educators to integrate Black History Month into their teaching curriculum and inspire their students to learn about black women who have made significant contributions to society.
