Dr. Angelou's Words

A Poetry and Monologue Competition

In honor of Dr. Maya Angelou's 97th heavenly birthday, on April 4th, A Coming of Self Film will be hosting Dr. Angelou's Words - A Friendly Poetry and Monologue Competition in Tulsa, Oklahoma at 6:00 p.m.

Friends, Family, and Community Members are encouraged to attend this FREE EVENT to celebrate and honor Dr. Maya Angelou and cheer on performers!

This event is co-sponsored by Tulsa Creative Engine and Tulsa Remote. 

Additional details & competition rules are below.

Further Details:

On Friday, April 4th, A Coming of Self Film invites all Tulsans - locals, newcomers and guests - to take part in the first ever Dr. Maya Angelou poetry and monologue competition in Tulsa, Oklahoma!

To compete, participants must perform a poem, monologue or speech by Dr. Maya Angelou no longer than seven (7) minutes. Participants may combine multiple pieces. Participants will be judged on comprehension, memorization, energy and overall delivery (vocal and physical). 

A panel of three judges will select winners to receive gift cards in the amount of:

  • (1st) First Place - $75

  • (2nd) Second Place - $50

  • (3rd) Third Place - $25

All participants will receive a certificate of participation.

Rules & Guidelines:

  • Performers must be 17 years old or older.

  • Each performer must prepare and memorize a poem, monologue or speech by Dr. Maya Angelou. Multiple pieces may be combined. Notes (i.e., paper, etc.) are welcomed on stage.

  • The performer's introduction and the piece performed must not exceed seven (7) minutes.

  • Costumes and props are allowed. Props must be approved.

  • The competition will consist of one round.

  • Each performer will introduce their performance by stating their name and piece title(s). For example: “I am Stephanie Wilbur and I will be performing a monologue from Dr. Maya Angelou's memoir ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’.”

  • Participants will be judged on comprehension, memorization, energy and overall delivery (vocal and physical). 

  • Check-in begins at 5:45 p.m. Competition begins promptly at 6:15 p.m. Professional photos of all participants will be taken. 

The competition will be held at Mi Tea Lounge, 427 S Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK 74103. For more information or any questions, please email Khadijat A. Oluwatoyin at acomingofselffilm@gmail.com. 

To register to perform, please fill out the participation form here. To register to attend, click here.

Registrations must be received by Sunday, March 30th, 2025.