Keba Evelyn takes top honours at 2025 National Poetry Slam

A battle of words spilled throughout Castellani House on Sunday, July 6 as the National Poetry Slam kicked off – with Keba Evelyn ultimately copping the $200,000 first prize.
This year’s event drew a larger crowd than usual, filling the historic venue with energy, anticipation and raw emotion. Poets from across the country took to the stage, using rhythm and rhyme to tackle powerful themes such as self-awareness, identity, social injustices, mental health and more-each performance leaving a lasting impression on the captivated audience.
The competition consisted of 15 finalists: Omari Joseph, Christina Campbell, Rodlyn Semple, Kieanna Greene, Rickiesha Perreira, Keba Evelyn, Annessa Arthur, Jayda Overton, Janei Isaacs, Brittany Morris, Samuel Nurae, Keon Heywood, Jayden Chester, Adriel Thompson, and Mishael Henry.
Keba Evelyn copped the first prize of $200,000; Mishael Henry who placed second for $150,000; and third-place winner Jayda Overton, who received $100,000.