Teens Invited to Participate in the 2025 Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge XIX

09/25/2025
Teens Invited to Participate in the 2025 Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge XIX
This year, students will have the chance to meet special guests, Drs. Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt, and George Jenkins. Fondly known as The Three Doctors, they are extraordinary role models for anyone who’s been through any kind of life challenge or major hardship.
This year, students will have the chance to meet special guests, Drs. Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt, and George Jenkins. Fondly known as The Three Doctors, they are extraordinary role models for anyone who’s been through any kind of life challenge or major hardship..

The Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee invites students in grades 6–12 to take part in the annual Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge. The event provides a unique opportunity for young people to express themselves through poetry, rap, or spoken word and be recognized for their creativity.

This year’s theme is “Strength.” Every student who submits a piece will receive a gift card, and ten students will be selected to perform at the Fall Fest/Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge on Saturday, November 15, noon - 4 p.m., at Central Library. The deadline for entry into the 2025 Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge is October 30. Learn more about the rules and how to apply. 

“Fall Fest offers a safe, enjoyable, and free event that introduces our community’s youth to inspiring role models,” said Cordia Watkins, event organizer and circulation manager at The Indianapolis Public Library. “It’s a chance for students in Indianapolis to develop their public speaking skills, boost their confidence, and grow as individuals, while everyone who attends can hear from dynamic speakers and leaders.”

This year, students will have the chance to meet special guests, Drs. Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt, and George Jenkins. Fondly known as The Three Doctors, they are extraordinary role models for anyone who’s been through any kind of life challenge or major hardship. As teenage boys growing up on the tough inner-city streets of Newark, New Jersey, these three kindred spirits made a pact: they would stick together, go to college, graduate, and become doctors. Today, they share their formula for becoming prominent, successful men and provide opportunities for young people to participate in impactful activities.

Fall Fest was founded by The Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee as a celebration of African American culture through interactive programming. In previous years, Fall Fest has included face paintings, local school choirs, fashion shows, youth crafts, live entertainment, and interactive storytelling.

The Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee was formed in November 1979 to increase awareness of the contributions made by African Americans to our society, to encourage more African American programming throughout the Library system, and to present the diverse accomplishments and heritage of African Americans to the general public.

This event is free and open to the public and made possible by The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund and J. Steve and Donna D. Talley Fund through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.