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2021 Nov Blog Exit36 Slam Poetry

TV Star Malcolm-Jamal Warner Joins Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival

The premiere spoken word poets in the country are converging in Pompano Beach for the Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival, and we are thrilled to announce that TV star Malcolm-Jamal Warner will be a celebrity judge. The actor stole our hearts as a lovable Huxtable kid in the 80s and is now gaining raves as Dr. Andre Jeremiah Austin on the hit show The Resident. But many do not realize the acclaimed actor is also a leading voice in the spoken word realm. In addition to be a judge, Jamal will also perform his poetry at the festival and share his thoughts about his career during an Artist Talk. The three-day event will take place December 9-11, 2021 at the City’s cultural venues.

Warner, who is a Grammy® Award-winner, has tackled many important issues with his spoken word performances including problems with the penal system and in 2020 he chronicled life as a black man with his film Word Warriors III.

Warner has said, “Poetry had always been a huge part of my life. My father went to Lincoln University with Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson, so I literally came out of the womb listening to Gil Scott-Heron. So, poetry's always been a huge part of the expression of self."

The Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival was founded by Eccentrich, one of the top-ranking female poets in the country. She developed the platform to serve the community through educational, theatrical, and literary performances. The festival showcases local, regional, and nationally recognized poets, while educating and encouraging self-expression in local youth.

“Now more than ever, spoken word artists are shaping the cultural and social dialogue in our country,” said Eccentrich. “This form of expression empowers those who have felt unheard, providing a platform to address both deeply personal situations and larger global issues. We are excited to return for our fourth year, and we look forward working with a dynamic group of participants.”

Event details and tickets are available at www.pompanobeacharts.org/exit36.

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