Texarkana, Texas — On Thursday, the We Are Washington Community Center hosted a vibrant poetry slam that gave local students a stage to share original spoken‑word pieces. The event, organized in partnership with the Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council, was part of a residency led by poet and teaching artist Drekkia Wright.
Program details and participation
The residency attracted 75 students from across the ArkLaTex region. After workshops and coaching sessions, 15 of those participants performed their own poems in a final showcase before a supportive audience.
Faith Soils earned first place with a heartfelt piece that resonated with judges and peers alike. Daija Kendrix placed second, while Charlestin Johnson rounded out the top three.
Community leaders praise the impact
Tina Jones, director of the Read and Rise program that hosts the residency, expressed deep gratitude for the students’ bravery. “I was speechless from some of their performances,” Jones said. “I commend their bravery and am excited to be able to build upon this every year, because each and every one of these students have greatness in them.”
Wright echoed that sentiment, noting how the slam helped participants overcome anxiety and recognize their potential. “I watched students go from experiencing overwhelming anxiety and doubting their own abilities to standing boldly before an audience, sharing their voices and even walking away as winners,” Wright said. “The greatest victory wasn’t a placement. It was watching these young people discover something powerful about themselves: they are capable of more than they ever believed.”
Wright added, “Moments like these remind me why this work matters. Sometimes, all a child needs is someone willing to see their potential before they can see it for themselves.”
Support and sponsorship
The residency was funded by the Texas Pioneer Foundation and supported by the Read and Rise program. Megan Griffin, education director for the Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council, highlighted the shared commitment to youth empowerment. “The poetry slam residency organized by We Are Washington Community Center and TRAHC was inspired by a shared commitment to empowering young people, nurturing their creativity and providing positive opportunities for self‑expression,” Griffin said.
Griffin described Wright’s teaching style as “an action‑packed experience” that guided students on a journey of self‑exploration.
Looking ahead
Organizers hope to make the slam an annual tradition, expanding outreach to more schools and community groups. By fostering confidence, creativity, and a love of literature, the program aims to strengthen the cultural fabric of Texarkana and give young voices a lasting platform.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
