Louder Than a Bomb 2012

Series produced by WBEZ

Series image

Just in time for National Poetry Month, Chicago Public Media (WBEZ-Chicago) presents the latest series of studio recordings featuring finalists from the 2012 Louder Than a Bomb Teen Poetry Festival and Competition.

Founded in 2001, the annual "Louder Than A Bomb" teen poetry slam engages schools and community organizations from all over the Chicago area. This friendly competition gathers the best and brightest young writers (age 13-19) from throughout the region with the winners going on to represent Chicago at the national level. Each year since 2005, WBEZ has invited competition Finalists into our studios to record their work.

We present to you 24 new pieces (all right around 3 minutes), exploring themes of race and identity, religion, sexuality, teachers, self-improvement, the power of youth voices, national and international affairs. Enjoy!


24 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
Brown Girl Grows Up Black by Asha Ransby-Sporn
From: WBEZ
Series: Louder Than a Bomb 2012
Caption: Poet Asha Ransby-Sporn
Poet Asha Ransby-Sporn, 17, is a senior at University of Chicago Laboratory High School. This is her first year participating in Louder Than a Bom...

  • Added: Mar 27, 2012
  • Length: 02:43
For Colored Girls Who Considered Yaky by Kush Thompson
From: WBEZ
Series: Louder Than a Bomb 2012
Caption: Poet Kush Thompson
Poet Kush Thompson, 17, is a senior at Orr Academy High School, but she was representing YOUmedia Chicago in this year's competition. This is her ...

  • Added: Mar 27, 2012
  • Length: 03:14
Rosie by Essie Lindzy
From: WBEZ
Series: Louder Than a Bomb 2012
Caption: Poet Essie Linzy
Poet Essie Lindzy, 18, is a senior at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School. This is her second year participating in Louder Than a Bomb. Rosie reca...

Bought by KBCS 91.3 FM Community Radio


  • Added: Mar 27, 2012
  • Length: 03:08
  • Purchases: 1
Why You Talk Like That? by Malcolm London
From: WBEZ
Series: Louder Than a Bomb 2012
Caption: Poet Malcolm London
Poet Malcolm London, 18, is a 2011 graduate of Lincoln Park High School and participated in Louder Than a Bomb for the third year, this time as par...

  • Added: Mar 27, 2012
  • Length: 02:44