Celebrating the Legacy of Marc Kelly Smith and Poetry Slams

Poets are indeed everywhere. On July 25, the Newberry Library celebrated Marc Kelly Smith, who originated and continues to host the Uptown Poetry Slam. This event marked the 40th anniversary of the first slam, which still takes place at the Green Mill Lounge.

The Newberry Library has formally accepted a collection of materials documenting the history of poetry slams. These include photos, programs, publicity materials, audiovisual records, artifacts, and administrative documents. Smith has also contributed personal notes, performance details, newsletters, and marketing materials. Additionally, poet and artist Tony Fitzpatrick gifted Smith a pair of boxing gloves commemorating the slam culture.

Alison Hinderliter, curator of modern manuscripts at the Newberry Library, expressed excitement over the acquisition. She stated, “The collection is an amazing gift to the Newberry and Chicago.” The library plans to make some materials accessible for public exploration and academic research by the year’s end. Full processing and cataloging might take up to three years.

A notable event is scheduled for September 26, marking World Poetry Slam Day. It will involve activities in 50 cities across France and 15 countries, including the Ivory Coast and Mexico. Hinderliter marveled at the slam’s global impact, calling it a phenomenon.

Slam events have left a significant cultural impact, as evidenced by a New York Times crossword puzzle clue, “Poetry competition,” answered by “slam.” Marc Kelly Smith is recognized for inventing the poetry slam.

For those unfamiliar with a poetry slam, it is a live competition among poets with varying skills, judged by randomly selected audience members. Displeasure is expressed through snapping, stomping, groaning, hissing, or grunting. The winner receives a modest prize of $10. Slams occur in venues such as stages, taverns, galleries, laundromats, and classrooms, welcoming diverse audiences.

Hinderliter mentioned increased global interest in poetry slams, with poets contributing books, magazines, and various items to the Newberry collection.

Among the attendees at the recent celebration were Michelle Boone, president and CEO of The Poetry Foundation, and Adrian Matejka, editor of Poetry magazine. Matejka commented, “The celebration reminded me of the hustle and ingenuity needed to create space for poetry.” He emphasized poetry’s role in helping him navigate life’s complexities.

Matejka is the author of “Be Easy: New and Selected Poems” and other acclaimed works. His graphic novel, “Last on His Feet,” received high praise as a masterpiece.

Young Chicago poet Dylan Weir shared his perspective, explaining, “I write to discover my thoughts.” He added that poetry allows him to express truths that prose cannot, capturing the nuances of silence, rhythm, and fragmentation.

Reflecting on these insights, a memorable phrase from Marc Kelly Smith resonates: “Poetry is the heart of the people and the people is everyone.” This sentiment emphasizes the universal and inclusive nature of poetry.