Brave New Voices Competition Spotlights Young Poets

Members of Meta-4 Houston celebrate their win at the Brave New Voices Festival in Washington, D.C. Kush’s sister, Bella Kalra, is fourth from right. 

The crowd roared as young people between the ages of 13 and 19 took the stage. The students were part of a Slam Poetry competition at the Brave New Voices Festival in Washington, D.C. Slam poetry is a combination of writing and performing poetry, with audience participation.

After reciting heartfelt poems, experiences, and stories, the young poets nervously awaited the judges’ scores. The students had traveled from around the country to participate in the four-day festival, which took place from July 17 - 20.

My 15-year-old sister is a member of Meta-4 Houston. I accompanied her and the team from Texas to D.C. The team is coached by Emanuelee “Outspoken” Bean and Alinda “Adam” Mac. 

“When six kids write poetry together, they forge a different bond,” Mac said about Meta-4. “It’s amazing to see the topics they write about and the stories they tell. The experiences they share make them stronger and kinder. It heartens me to see that.”

Meta-4 Houston took home the title of “Brave New Voices Champion.” But the experience was as much about camaraderie as it was about winning, the poets said. Bean, who served as Poet Laureate of Houston from 2021 until 2023, described the many levels behind the act of writing poetry. 

“Poetry is about consistency, strategizing, uplifting literacy, critical thinking, and building empathy,” he said. “It allows poets to see someone outside themselves and view the world differently. The earlier they understand that, the more they grow.”

Kush at the festival with Emanuelee “Outspoken” Bean (left) and Alinda “Adam” Mac

FROM THE PAGE TO THE STAGE

Adriana Winkelmayer, 17, is a Meta-4 veteran. She told me about her journey from the page to the stage. “I started writing poetry when I was 12, which was a very transitional period for me,” Adriana explained. “I was trying to figure out who I was and how I fit in. That translated to processing my emotions through poetry. For a while, I was just writing. But then I saw a poem video. It made me realize I could do something new with my words. With some improvisation and finesse, I got on the team four years ago. I’ve been on it ever since.”

This was Bella’s first year as a member of Meta-4 Houston. She is 15. I asked her to describe her experiences as a competitor and to offer advice for aspiring poets eager to join the slam community. 

“As the youngest member on Meta-4, I feel like I’ve grown as a writer and performer, but also as a person,” she said. “I’ve made friendships that I hope will last forever. Poetry is a great way to form connections, share your voice, and create change.”

Kush at the festival, which took place from July 17 - 20 in Washington, D.C.