2026 Write Rhyme Recite Collective - April 25, 2026 - Art League of Long Island, Dix Hills, NY

On April 25, 2026 we hosted our 6th annual Write Rhyme Recite Collective, an inspiring evening dedicated to celebrating the voices of young poets, spoken word artist, talented authors, and leaders in our community.

We had an exciting student poetry slam scholarship competition; we awarded $8,300.00 in scholarships, captivating performances from featured poets, an author showcase, cocktail-style hors d’oeuvres and refreshments provided by Chara's Kitchen and Catering, professional headshots, a thought-provoking panel discussion, networking, and more.

It was an unforgettable evening of artistry, storytelling, and connection.

2026 Journal

2026 Write Rhyme Recite Collective

Celebrating Young Poets and Highlighting Authors

@focusedlens_

Special Thanks To Our 2026 Poets

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible professional poets who graced the stage with their powerful words and captivating performances—they were truly amazing and elevated the spirit of the evening. A special thank you to one of our featured poets, a former Poetry Slam Scholar, whose return as a performer was both inspiring and a full-circle moment that beautifully reflected the impact of our mission.

Professional Poets

Mandy Wagnac

@MandyIsJoy

Jessica Payes

@strongerthanmypain

Emma Desulme

@soulofarisingphoenix

@focusedlens_

Voices That Shape Us: Affirmation, Expression, and Purpose

We are deeply grateful to our panelists for sharing their insights, experiences, and truth during our Voices That Shape Us: Affirmation, Expression, and Purpose discussion. Their thoughtful perspectives sparked meaningful dialogue and inspired everyone in the room to reflect, connect, and continue telling their own stories with purpose. Thank you for helping us create a space where voices were heard, valued, and celebrated.

@focusedlens_

Julio Taku | Amanda Ramirez | Dr. Jarvis Watson

Special Thanks To Our 2026 Authors

We would like to our thank all of our authors who participated in our event. Your contributions made a significant impact, and we truly appreciate your time and effort. Together, we have created an inspiring experience that we hope to build on in the future. Thank you for being a vital part of our WRRC community!