Louder Than a Bomb 2007

Series produced by WBEZ

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Presented here are the finalists from the 2007 Louder Than a Bomb teen poetry slam. The work of these incredible young writers is offered to you so that they might share their stories, break stereotypes, and speak the truth as they challenge both themselves and their audiences.

Louder Than a Bomb brings you the 2007 finalists from this nationally-renowned teen poetry slam.

Each piece included in the series is a titled performance piece. Without introduction, a template for host-introduction is offered here (under additional materials). These pieces would work well aired independently or as a series in locally produced programming that is looking to add a youth perspective. The 2005 finalists are also available via PRX; this is debut series.

The Louder Than a Bomb teen poetry slam is now in it?s seventh year, bringing poets ages 13-19 years-old together in a safe space that emphasizes community building, education, and youth empowerment. By carrying on the rich tradition of oral storytelling and the spoken word, the 2007 Louder Than a Bomb teen poetry slam engaged over 400 youth participants representing nearly 50 schools and community organizations. The four teams that were invited to the final round, each presenting one group piece and four individual pieces, are presented here along with several individual competitors' pieces for a total of 23 poems.

Louder Than a Bomb is produced by Breeze Richardson and distributed directly to public radio stations through PRX.
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Louder Than a Bomb brings you the 2007 finalists from this nationally-renowned teen poetry slam. Each piece included in the series is a titled performance piece. Without introduction, a template for host-introduction is offered here (under additional materials). These pieces would work well aired independently or as a series in locally produced programming that is looking to add a youth perspective. The 2005 finalists are also available via PRX; this is debut series. The Louder Than a Bomb teen poetry slam is now in it?s seventh year, bringing poets ages 13-19 years-old together in a safe space that emphasizes community building, education, and youth empowerment. By carrying on the rich tradition of oral storytelling and the spoken word, the 2007 Louder Than a Bomb teen poetry... Show full description


Additional Files

21 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
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One young writer tells his coming of age story. This poet is a student at Steinmetz Academic Centre (Chicago, IL).

  • Added: Mar 22, 2007
  • Length: 02:39
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With her amazing voice and sly poetry, this young writer approaches depression head-on. This poet is a student at Steinmetz Academic Centre (Chica...

Bought by KFAI Minneapolis


  • Added: Mar 22, 2007
  • Length: 02:31
  • Purchases: 1
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One young writer feels there is no hope for the youth of America. This poet is a student at Maine East High School (Park Ridge, IL).

  • Added: Mar 22, 2007
  • Length: 02:00
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People have such problems being themselves - this piece is about issues with individuality. This poet is a student at Maine East High School (Park...

Bought by PRX Remix


  • Added: Mar 22, 2007
  • Length: 02:25
  • Purchases: 1
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There is an editor within each of us, and sometimes that editor needs to be killed. This poet is a student at Maine East High School (Park Ridge,...

  • Added: Mar 22, 2007
  • Length: 02:26
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One little boy's love of Barbie... an incredibly elequent up-and-coming poet. This poet is a student at Maine East High School (Park Ridge, IL).

  • Added: Mar 22, 2007
  • Length: 02:25
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Politicians, media, celebrities... the list goes on and on of people who abuse the story-telling power of a microphone. Maine Township is from Mai...

Bought by Public Interactive


  • Added: Mar 22, 2007
  • Length: 02:31
  • Purchases: 1
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A moving personal story of one young writer's downfall with anorexia. This poet is a student at Morgan Park High School (Chicago, IL).

Bought by WAMC Northeast Public Radio and Public Interactive


  • Added: Mar 22, 2007
  • Length: 02:37
  • Purchases: 2
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The cycle of abuse occuring as clergy are indicted for sex abuse and media swarms the vicitms. This poet is a student at Morgan Park High School ...

  • Added: Mar 22, 2007
  • Length: 02:33
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A letter to God - this young writer calls out for guidance among peers who aren't following a path he wants to walk. This poet is a student at Mo...

  • Added: Mar 22, 2007
  • Length: 02:19
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Billie Holiday writing the song "Strange Friuit" - This poet is a student at Morgan Park High School (Chicago, IL).

  • Added: Mar 22, 2007
  • Length: 02:47
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African-American history is repeating itself - how can we break the cycle? Morgan Park High School is in Chicago, IL.

Bought by KXOT Public Radio


  • Added: Mar 22, 2007
  • Length: 03:16
  • Purchases: 1
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His grandmother's refusal to accept his mother's conversion to Judaism. This poet is a student at Oak Park-River Forest High School (IL).

  • Added: Mar 22, 2007
  • Length: 01:47
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With a black father that wanted to be darker and an aunt that passed for white, Novana writes about how to accept her biracial identity. This poet...

Bought by Public Interactive


  • Added: Mar 22, 2007
  • Length: 02:24
  • Purchases: 1
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The youngest kid in kindergarten, Deja stood up for herself one day by bringing up death... a lesson she had learned too young and was struggling t...

  • Added: Mar 22, 2007
  • Length: 02:19
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One young writer's lessons learning from a family member with a mental disability. This poet is a student at Oak Park-River Forest High School (IL).

  • Added: Mar 22, 2007
  • Length: 02:27
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Peer expectations in a teenage world are strong, and being confortable with who you are is a hard lesson to learn. Addressing issues of faith, gen...

Bought by Public Interactive


  • Added: Mar 22, 2007
  • Length: 02:45
  • Purchases: 1
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Overcoming the struggles of those around him, this young writer confronts drug overdose, HIV/AIDS, teen pregnancy, gang involvement and imprisonmen...

Bought by Public Interactive


  • Added: Mar 22, 2007
  • Length: 03:05
  • Purchases: 1
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Exploring African-American history leads one young writer to critique Obama's run for presidency. This poet is a student at Steinmetz Academic Cen...

  • Added: Mar 21, 2007
  • Length: 03:02
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How do you define love? Steinmetz Academic Centre is in Chicago, IL.

  • Added: Mar 21, 2007
  • Length: 03:06