The Bronx’s Hostos Theater rhymed today as the NYC Youth Poetry Slam drew 1,000. Over 30 teens—odes, raps—performed; a Harlem 16-year-old’s verse won $500; X hit 6,000 clips. Free zines—200 grabbed; $5 sodas sold 100. Live DJ—150 snapped; 50°F sun shone. NYC’s voices—youth speak.
Host Maya Cruz, 45, hyped 20 poets—her intro sparked 300 cheers. Winner Jada Hill’s bodega poem—raw grit—stunned; crowd chanted her name. Pop-up open mics—100 read; snaps echoed. New mics—clear words—lifted verse. Hostos’s vibe—NYC’s poetic heart.
It’s not perfect—late start; tech lagged 10 minutes. Stage small—some stood back. Still, 30 poets, 1K ears—slam’s a hit. Post-show, Grand Concourse buzzed—rhyme talk flowed. Monthly run—NYC writes.
Cruz’s 45—poet queen? Hill’s 16—voice star. Bronx rhymed; NYC glowed. Poetry Slam—word on.
