SmAlbany Poets Gives Voice to Albany’s Youth

ALBANY, Ga. – What happens when young people are given the space to speak, not just to be heard, but to be understood? Introducing SmAlbany Poets, a youth poetry initiative by Fawohodie Cultural Sustainability Center in Albany. SmAlbany Poets is a creative space for youth, grades 6 through 12, to explore their voices through poetry, writing, and performance. This program invites young people to express their thoughts, emotions, and lived experiences in ways that build confidence, literacy, and connection.

“SmAlbany Poets gives Albany youth a positive outlet to express themselves and understand the power behind their voices. It is a literacy and arts initiative that uses  spoken word, poetry, and performance to empower youth to use their voices,” said Jabriel Davis, Fawohodie Cultural Sustainability Center founder.

No experience is necessary. Young people don’t have to consider themselves poets to participate. If they have a story to tell, an opinion to share, a dream to express, or a voice they’re still discovering, SmAlbany Poets is for them.

“There is a lot of reading involved, studying the works of authors and poets, so this program not only improves literacy, but it also helps youth develop critical thinking skills,” said Ms. Davis

Through workshops, open mics, and poetry slam experiences, participants will:
• Develop writing and performance skills
• Build confidence in self-expression
• Engage in meaningful conversations about real-life topics
• Strengthen literacy through creative practice
• Be seen, heard, and valued

This is more than poetry. This is about creating space for youth voice, truth, and power. Our youth have something to say. SmAlbany Poets helps them find the words, and the courage, to say it.

‘Training Starts in September, and competition starts in November when our teams will begin taking part in poetry slams and perform live on a stage,’ said Ms. Davis.

How you can support:
• Encourage a young person to join—even if they’ve never written or performed before.
• Share this with families, schools, churches, and youth organizations.
• Connect us with spaces for workshops and events.
• Volunteer, mentor, or partner with us.
• Help us build something lasting for our community.

Readers interested in learning more or signing up can visit www.fawohodiecsc.org and complete the Youth Interest Form.

Let’s invest in our youth—not only by listening to their voices, but by helping them discover them. Share this message with a parent, teacher, youth leader, or a young person who should know about SmAlbany Poets.

Real voices. Real stories. Real change.

Fawohodie Cultural Sustainability Center is located at 600 Greenwood Drive in Albany. For more information about SmAlbany Poets, contact Jabriel Davis at 229-894-5991 or email info@fawohodiecsc.org.