By: Richard L. Smith
Thirteen talented young poets from Newark’s South Ward recently captivated an audience at the Newark Public Library as part of the Dodge Poetry Festival’s Community Day.
This performance was the culmination of a six-week collaboration between Clinton Hill Community Action (CHCA) and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), held under the "Dodge in the Community" initiative, according to a statement released by CHCA.
These young poets, trained under the guidance of CHCA’s Arts and Creative Placemaking Manager, Margie Johnson, took part in an intensive preparation process alongside graduate students from Rutgers University’s MFA program and NJPAC’s Community Engagement Department.
According to CHCA, the cohort’s standout performance served as the grand finale of the festival’s Community Day, held on October 19 at the Newark Public Library.
The event not only showcased the vibrant creativity of Newark's South Ward youth but also highlighted their role in the cultural revitalization of their community.
Through the power of poetry, these young performers expressed their personal experiences, hopes, and visions for their neighborhoods.
Their performance was met with enthusiasm from the audience, symbolizing the transformative potential of art in fostering both individual expression and community strength.
CHCA, deeply invested in empowering South Ward residents, particularly its youth, views initiatives like this as critical to community engagement.
According to the statement, through poetry and self-expression, these young poets are actively contributing to the social and cultural fabric of Clinton Hill and the surrounding neighborhoods.
The partnership between CHCA, NJPAC, and the Dodge Poetry Festival underscores the essential role the arts play in uplifting youth and building resilient communities.
CHCA remains committed to using creative endeavors like this to continue supporting and revitalizing Newark’s South Ward.
