The poetry slams at the caf are part of a growing national trend called spoken word. According to Poetry Slam, Inc., slamming began in 1984 in a Chicago jazz club. The first ever National Poetry Slam was held in 1990. In 1992, there were 12 teams from 17 cities in the national slam competition. Poetry Slam, Inc. defines slamming as similar to a lyrical boxing match that puts poets against other poets in a bout.
Poets can compete individually or in teams.
The organization calls the growing interest in spoken word a phenomenon. In 1999, the number of certified slam organizations reached 75. In the same year, the organization gained official non-profit status as the umbrella organization for slam. Every Friday at 10 p.m. at the Nuyorican, there is an open mike, where anyone can bring a poem to read. The great thing about the Nuyorican is that it s just you and a mike and people who want to listen, Belle said.