Young Chicago Authors

Chicago Amplified
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Young Chicago Authors (YCA) encourages self-expression and literacy among Chicago's youth through creative writing performance and publication. YCA provides student-centered, artist-led workshops - free to youth ages 13-19 in schools and communities. With a process that emphasizes artistic development and mentorship, YCA aims to create safe spaces where a young person's life matters. The organization and its leadership believes that through their words, young people can promote tolerance and remove barriers, transforming their lives and society.
WBEZ is proud to be a presenting partner of Young Chicago Author's Louder Than a Bomb Teen Poetry Festival. Each year, Festival Finalists are brought in studio to record their work, which can be heard here.

Recent stories by this author

LTAB 2012: Team Finals

In this full presentation of the 2012 Louder Than a Bomb Team Finals, the top four teams compete against each other, with the winning team headed to San Francisco this July to represent Chicago in the national competition. Listen in as the poets from Percy L. Julian High School, Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Kenwood Academy, and Northside College Prep go head-to-head for the top prize.

LTAB 2012: Indy Finals

The largest of its kind in the world, Louder Than A Bomb (LTAB) is Chicago’s rapidly-growing teen poetry festival, taking place February 18 - March 10, 2012, at various venues around Chicago.

LTAB 2012: College Slam Finals

This is the fourth annual college slam final. It features the top 12 college-level individuals who are competing in Louder Than a Bomb (LTAB).

Patricia Smith Book Release Party

Patricia Smith is a poet, teacher, performance artist, and author. Her new book, Shoulda Been Jimi Savanah, is the focus of the event. She is also the author of Blood Dazzler and Teahouse of the Almighty.

Art and Resistance

"Art and Resistance" is one of the preliminary events for the Louder Than a Bomb (LTAB) poetry festival.

The John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment That Changed the World

Seen around the world, John Carlos and Tommie Smith’s Black Power salute on the 1968 Olympic podium sparked controversy and career fallout. Yet their show of defiance remains one of the most iconic images of Olympic history and the Black Power movement.

Emcee Olympics

Hosted by Urbanized Music's Amina and Coolout, founders of Chicago's Hip-Hop Heritage Month, the Emcee Olympics is a NOT a traditional battle.

The Riots on the Warpland: 2nd Annual South Side Youth Poetry Championships

This is a not-to-be-missed event that Young Chicago Authors had the honor of hosting for the second time! The name "The Riots on the Warpland" pays homage to Gwendolyn Brooks, who grew up on the south side of Chicago.

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