Sponsored by Poet, HELEN TOWNSEND and TRABAR & ASSOCIATES
THEME: "Family, Home and Roots"
Gordon Parks - Photo by Michael Henry
This poetry contest is inspired by Gordon Parks and his love for his family and upbringing. This is open to any emerging poet. Poets are invited to capture the essence of the theme.
Who can participate?
Emerging poets of all ages and skill levels who have not yet been published in a book are invited to write a poem for this contest.
How many poems can I enter?
No more than 1.
Are there prizes?
Yes! There will be a first place ($200), second place ($75) and third place ($50) prize and up to five honorable mentions. Winners will be announced at the Gordon Parks Celebration. All poems submitted will be on exhibit during the 20th annual Gordon Parks Celebration on Oct. 5 - 7, 2023. All Poems will also be posted on the Gordon Parks Website and Facebook page.
How do I submit?
Poems must be submitted via e-mail to
etc.) are not accepted. Type or 'copy and paste' your poem into the body of your email. Poets should submit poem in with the title, their name, address, email, and phone number. If under 14 years old
please include parent's information.
When do I have to submit my entries?
Poems should be received via email by Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at the latest.
Anything else I need to know?
The Gordon Parks Museum reserves the right to not accept or display any submitted poem that would be considered to be obscene, violent or in any other way objectionable or inappropriate and/or that do not hold to the standards of FSCC policy or the mission of the Gordon Parks Museum. The submitted poem in its entirety must be an original work by the person entering the contest. Plagiarism is not allowed. By entering the contest, you retain the rights to your works while granting The Gordon Parks Museum the unrestricted, royalty-free, perpetual right to use, reproduce, communicate modify and display the works (in whole or in part) for any purpose without any fee or other form of compensation, and without further notification or permission. By participating in this contest, you release and agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Gordon Parks Museum and its employees, directors officers, affiliates, agents, judges and advertising and promotional agencies from any and all damages, injuries, claims, causes of actions, or losses of any kind resulting from your participation in this contest or receipt or use of any prize. Rev. 5-1-23.
Questions? Email