According to Maryland’s own Lucille Clifton, the Parkmont Poetry Festival’s first judge in 1982, “I don’t write out of what I know; I write out of what I wonder.” There was indeed some powerful wondering going on in the Zion Baptist Church …

According to Maryland’s own Lucille Clifton, the Parkmont Poetry Festival’s first judge in 1982, “I don’t write out of what I know; I write out of what I wonder.” There was indeed some powerful wondering going on in the Zion Baptist Church …

Long after the last poem was shared at our 2023 Parkmont Poetry Festival Reading on April 29th, listeners were turning the pages of the winners’ booklet to revisit the words of the 40 winning poets …

In our 38-year history, 2020 marked the first year that we did not assemble in fellowship and solidarity to support our winning poets as they shared their verse at the podium. In lieu of our in-person Festival and Reading …

Our 39th annual festival was held on Saturday, May 1 as a Zoom webinar. Please enjoy this recording of the event. These wonderful young poets make the screen feel as intimate as the live room …

In our 38-year history, 2020 marked the first year that we did not assemble in fellowship and solidarity to support our winning poets as they shared their verse at the podium. In lieu of our in-person Festival and Reading …

2018 Finalist Judge Anne Woodworth was unable to attend the Festival, but sent along her gift to the 40 winning poets: a new composite poem created out of excerpts …

The eloquence of young poets from middle and high schools across Washington, D.C., chimed in spring as the Parkmont Poetry Festival marked its 35th year.

Videographer Elizabeth Dausch created a documentary that serves as an introduction to the Parkmont Poetry Festival. View it to learn the origins of our Festival.

One of the winners of our 2014 Festival went on to win the Anacostia Watershed Prize and was featured on TED Talks, where she recited that winning poem.