![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/29e3b2_e133591c52a148be847daa96940f3aa7~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_1920,h_1080,al_c,q_95,enc_auto/29e3b2_e133591c52a148be847daa96940f3aa7~mv2.png)
![BW-spoken word-edited.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/29e3b2_679cfb888e344e72959bad7d4f9ace29~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_600,h_428,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/BW-spoken%20word-edited.png)
The AATCLC offers spaces across the nation for artists to perform, appreciate poetry, and discuss the social justice impacts of menthol tobacco products in our communities.
Spoken Word
Ed Mabrey, Poet, 2022 AATCLC Social Injustice and Tobacco Spoken Word Contest Winner
![IMG_7BF20C29913A-1.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/29e3b2_75767e79f9864c56b6c3f7d87ddeaa04~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_399,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/IMG_7BF20C29913A-1.jpg)
In these competitions, poets perform their own original work on the social injustices of menthol tobacco product marketing and availability in the Black Community. Performers are judged on a numeric scale by judges selected by the AATCLC, and the first, second, and third-place winners receive cash prizes.
The AATCLC and partners have hosted in-person spoken word contests in cities across the nation, such as Los Angeles, CA; Buffalo, NY; Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA; Denver, CO; and Baltimore, MD. These live events have a profound impact, touching the hearts of community members and policymakers and spotlighting local talent!!!
About
Audience, 2024 AATCLC Denver, CO Social Injustice and Tobacco Spoken Word Contest
![IMG_3200_edited.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/29e3b2_74b7ac516fa244f1b84557ed117c8c53~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_531,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/IMG_3200_edited.jpg)
Poets from the original ‘You Don’t Want That Smoke” Spoken Word Blog
Artists who participated in the Mini-Grant Program
​
Tasha "SixFootah ThePoet" Turner, "No to Tobacco"
Featured Poets
Vae Toliver, 2nd Place Winner, 2024 AATCLC Denver, CO Social Injustice and Tobacco Spoken Word Contes
![IMG_494610B4ED7E-1.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/29e3b2_7e0413c886764b798c0cb4770addc806~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_398,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/IMG_494610B4ED7E-1.jpg)
“Big tobacco is the temptress--Overpolicing?
They really tried to use our suffering against us. It doesn't get any lower than that.”
​
‘What Did They Say, 2024, Ryon Everidge, Poet
​
​
“I’m tired of seeing Black boys and girls go into caskets too soon due to cancer tumors, and the best they ever looked was the day they were laid to rest. Funny how the best suit you got is the one you die in.”
​
Ed Mabrey, Poet, 2022 AATCLC Social Injustice and Tobacco Spoken Word Contest, 2022 National Spoken Word Contest Winner
Quotes
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/74989405e60ec67a808043f34a6fd22f.png/v1/fill/w_121,h_132,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/74989405e60ec67a808043f34a6fd22f.png)