The Poetic Checkmate @ Busboys and Poets Anacostia Wash DC

Where Strategy Meets Story. Where Chess Meets Culture.

Poetic Checkmate is a powerful fusion of competitive chess and spoken-word poetry, celebrating Black history, resilience, brilliance, and creative expression. Rooted in the tradition of Black thinkers, strategists, and storytellers, this event honors the mind as both a weapon and a work of art.

From the chessboard to the microphone, participants embody the legacy of calculated moves, courageous voices, and unapologetic truth.

🎤 Half-Time Poetry Slam (After Round 2)

Between chess rounds, experience dynamic poetry performances that reflect:

• Black history & heritage
• Freedom, resistance, and resilience
• Community uplift and generational wisdom
• The power of words as strategy

🎙 Special Guest Host💲 Crowd-Voted Poetry Slam Winner – Winner Takes All: $100

This is more than a tournament—it’s a DC cultural experience where chess, poetry, history, and community collide.

1. Family-Friendly Content

This is a community-centered Black History Month event welcoming children, teens, elders, and families.

• No profanity, explicit sexual content, or graphic violence
• Powerful, thought-provoking expression is encouraged
• Language and imagery must remain respectful and accessible to all ages

2. Respect, Uplift & Black Excellence

The guiding theme is “Speak Life.”

• Poems should uplift, inspire, educate, challenge, or empower
• Black history, identity, joy, struggle, and triumph are welcome and encouraged
• No hate speech, discrimination, or targeting of individuals or groups
• Respect fellow poets, chess players, the audience, and the spirit of the event

3. Performance Rules

• ⏱ Maximum 3 minutes per performance
• Poets may use written notes, phones, or perform from memory
• Original work is encouraged
• All performances must follow family-friendly and respect guidelines