Because they know that Hampton Roads Youth have something to say, Teens With a Purpose cultivates youth voice and provides a platform for them to be heard.

Because they know that Hampton Roads Youth have something to say, Teens With a Purpose cultivates youth voice and provides a platform for them to be heard. During the eleventh annual Hampton Roads Youth Poetry Festival audience members chant “listen to the poem!” anytime they feel the judges scores don’t match the message and the intensity of the youths poems. This is no slogan it is foundational! It is the reason for this month long celebration that travels from city to city, venue to venue. Young people throughout the 7 cities put aside their differences of race, religion, gender and anything that divides them; they become one crew bonded around words- - spoken word poetry. They come to listen and BE HEARD.