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2026 Slammin Rhymes Challenge XX - 'Hope'

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Fall Fest/2026 Slammin Rhymes Challenge XX - Hope
The entrance form is now closed (11/4).

EVENT DETAILS:

  • Ten selectees will read their entries at:
    Fall Fest/Slammin Rhymes Challenge XX - Hope
    Saturday November 21, 2026
    1 - 4 p.m.
    Central Library | 40 E. St. Clair Street
  • All participants will receive a gift card.
  • All participants are encouraged to be at the event and registered by 12 P.M. to claim their prize.
Special Guest- Dr. Mae Jemison - Engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut; photo credit: copyright The Jemison Group 2024

Dr. Mae Jemison
Engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut.
 

This event is free and open to the public and made possible by The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund and J. Steve and Donna D. Talley Fund through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.


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Fall Fest/Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge
2026 Slammin Rhymes Challenge XX - Hope — Entry Form
DEADLINE:

A contest for all poets, rappers, and spoken word artists in grades 6-12 (Marion County students). Write your inspiring thoughts on this year's theme, "Hope", #hope.

If you'd prefer, you may download the entry form (PDF) here.

Enter Your Details Below:

* = required field    opt = optional field

 
  

(allowed file types: DOC, DOCX, RTF, PDF and TXT) File naming — please name your file: with the first letter of your first name, your last name, and the last 4-digits of your phone number (listed above), so if your name is Pat Johnson and your phone number is 317-555-1234, your file name would be: PJohnson1234.pdf

  

(allowed file types: MP3 and M4A. *3-minutes maximum length and 5.5mb maximum file size.) File naming — please name your file: with the first letter of your first name, your last name, and the last 4-digits of your phone number (listed above), so if your name is Pat Johnson and your phone number is 317-555-1234, your file name would be: PJohnson1234.mp3.
**If you have another file type and need to convert it to MP3 or M4A, you might try Audio Converter , an online audio conversion tool. This method only works on desktop/laptop computers. The recommended MP3 quality setting is 192 (or 128) kbps to stay under the maximum file size limit (5.5mb).

By checking this box, you confirm: 1) that the content of the uploaded file is your original work (not plagiarized), and not copyrighted to anyone else, and 2) that you consent to the Indianapolis Public Library/Indianapolis Public Library Foundation — Photograph/Media Release Agreement (below).
Photograph/Media Release Agreement

Indianapolis Public Library/
Indianapolis Public Library Foundation Photograph/Media Release Agreement

The Indianapolis Public Library, in an effort to promote Library services and programs, requests your permission to use a photograph/videotape/audio recording of yourself, your child or legal ward in Library publications or productions, including, but not limited to, the Library’s newsletter, annual report, television or video programming, web page, posters, brochures, or other public displays.

Please read and sign the submission form (check the box, "By checking this box..."):
I agree to allow The Indianapolis Public Library to use a photograph/videotape/audio recording of myself, my child or legal ward for any of the above stated purposes. I understand that this agreement holds the Library harmless from any liability resulting from the use of these materials, and that there will be no compensation paid for the use now or in the future.

How to Enter

DEADLINE:

Please note: A separate entry form must be completed for each entry.

  • To be eligible, participants must be Marion County students, grades 6-12.
  • Each entry MUST be attached to an official entry form, printed version or online.
  • Keep it clean: absolutely no profanity will be allowed!
  • Write your inspiring thoughts on this year's theme, "Hope"
  • All entries must be the original work of entrants.
  • Please deliver a recording and a typed and/or legibly written copy of a 3 minute original poem. Choose one:

Note to Teachers

If you are submitting on behalf of your students, each work must be accompanied by a completed official ENTRY FORM.

For more information contact: Jacquelyn Green 317-275-4881 or jgreen@indypl.org.

  • No entry will be returned. All submissions become the property of The Indianapolis Public Library.
  • Participants must agree to being photographed/videotaped- see media release, below:
    Photograph/Media Release Agreement

    Indianapolis Public Library/
    Indianapolis Public Library Foundation Photograph/Media Release Agreement

    The Indianapolis Public Library, in an effort to promote Library services and programs, requests your permission to use a photograph/videotape/audio recording of yourself, your child or legal ward in Library publications or productions, including, but not limited to, the Library’s newsletter, annual report, television or video programming, web page, posters, brochures, or other public displays.

    Please read and sign the submission form (check the box, "By checking this box..."):
    I agree to allow The Indianapolis Public Library to use a photograph/videotape/audio recording of myself, my child or legal ward for any of the above stated purposes. I understand that this agreement holds the Library harmless from any liability resulting from the use of these materials, and that there will be no compensation paid for the use now or in the future.


    To the Entry Form

WINNERS AND PRIZES

  • All participants will receive a gift card.
  • Ten selectees will read their entries at:
    • Fall Fest/Slammin Rhymes Challenge

      Central Library | 40 E. St. Clair Street
  • All participants are encouraged to be at the event and registered by 12 p.m. to claim their prize.
  • Photoshoot for all participants with Dr. Mae Jemison will take place at 3 p.m.
  • Selectees will be notified by phone and will be presented with their award given by Dr. Mae Jemison.
    Special Guest- Dr. Mae Jemison - Engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut; photo credit: copyright The Jemison Group 2024
    Dr. Mae Jemison
    Engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut.
    Bio
    Dr. Jemison, the first woman of color in the world to go into space, served six years as a NASA astronaut and flew as the Science Mission Specialist aboard the joint mission NASA – Japanese space agency space shuttle Spacelab J. A trained engineer, social scientist and dancer, Jemison, a medical doctor, was the Area Peace Corps Medical Officer for Sierra Leone and Liberia prior to NASA as well general practitioner in Los Angeles. Entrepreneur, engineer, physician, educator, humanitarian and former NASA astronaut, Dr. Mae Jemison is at the forefront of integrating the physical and social sciences with art and culture to ignite innovation and build meaningful solutions to the world's critical problems.



If you'd prefer, you may download the Entry Form (PDF) here.

 

This event is free and open to the public and made possible by The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund and J. Steve and Donna D. Talley Fund and The Dr. Michael R. Twyman Endowment Fund through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.



IndyPL Foundation logo The Indianapolis Foundation - The Library Fund- logo


AAHC logo


Center for Black Literature & Culture- logo