The Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee is calling for submissions for the Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge XIX.
Students grades 6-12 are encouraged to enter the poetry, rap and spoken word competition by Oct. 30 for an opportunity to uplift their voices and express their creativity. The theme of this year’s competition is “Strength,” and 10 finalists will be chosen to perform live during the 19th annual Fall Fest/Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge XIX from noon to 4 p.m. on Nov. 15.
“Fall Fest offers a safe, enjoyable, and free event that introduces our community’s youth to inspiring role models,” Cordia Watkins, event organizer and IndyPL circulation manager, said in a statement. “It’s a chance for students in Indianapolis to develop their public speaking skills, boost their confidence, and grow as individuals, while everyone who attends can hear from dynamic speakers and leaders.”
The African American History Committee, which was founded in 1979, promotes awareness of African American heritage and programming throughout the library system. IndyPL proudly hosts the Fall Fest/Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge each year, highlighting African American culture and youth expression through performance, mentorship and community celebration, according to a press release.
The 2025 Fall Fest/Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge XIX is made possible through support by the Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund and the J. Steve and Donna D. Talley Fund through gifts to the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.
This year, special guests Drs. Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt, and George Jenkins — also known as The Three Doctors — gained national notoriety for overcoming adversity in Newark, New Jersey, and fulfilling a shared pledge to become physicians, according to a press release. They will share their stories as keynote speakers, hoping to inspire youth to pursue education and resilience.
The 2025 Fall Fest/Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge XIX is free and open to the public. For more information about rules and how to apply for the competition, visit https://pr.indypl.org/web/slammin.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848 or chloegm@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
