The Caribbean American Poetry Association (CAPA) and Preservation Long Island (PLI) have announced an open call for student poets in grades 6 through 12 to submit original works for the 2025 Caribbean American Heritage Month/Juneteenth Poetry Celebration. The event will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the historic Joseph Lloyd Manor in Lloyd Harbor, New York.
The celebration honors Jupiter Hammon (1711–circa 1806), widely recognized as the first published Black American poet. Hammon authored his most notable works at Joseph Lloyd Manor while enslaved, exploring themes of slavery, freedom, and morality during the early years of the United States.
Students across Long Island are encouraged to contribute poems reflecting themes of liberty, resistance, and the enduring power of writing — central motifs in Hammon’s poetry. Submitted works, limited to a maximum of 40 lines, will be featured during an open-mic segment of the event. All entries must be received by June 1, 2025.
The celebration will open with guided tours of Joseph Lloyd Manor and live Caribbean music performances, followed by presentations from featured poets Dr. Lindamichelle Baron, Keisha-Gay Anderson, and Yasmin Morais. Attendees will also experience a dramatic historical hip-hopera written and performed by award-winning playwright and poet Marsha M. Nelson. The event will include a “Taste of the Caribbean Table,” featuring signature dishes generously donated by local Caribbean restaurants.
Admission to the event is free, but guests are encouraged to RSVP in advance.
This Juneteenth poetic tribute is supported in part by Poets & Writers, with funding from the New York State Council on the Arts, the Office of the Governor, and the New York State Legislature. Interested parties may inquire about sponsorship opportunities or participation in the Taste of the Caribbean Table by contacting CAPA at [email protected].
About the Organizers:
The Caribbean American Poetry Association (CAPA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to promoting Caribbean poetry and elevating Caribbean American poets throughout the United States.
Preservation Long Island (PLI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving Long Island’s cultural and architectural heritage through advocacy, education, and stewardship of historic sites, including Joseph Lloyd Manor.
About Joseph Lloyd Manor:
Built circa 1767, Joseph Lloyd Manor in the Town of Huntington served as the site where generations of African-descended enslaved people lived and labored. In 2020, the manor was designated a National Literary Landmark™ in honor of Jupiter Hammon’s significant literary contributions.
For more information about the event and submission guidelines, please visit Preservation Long Island’s website at preservationlongisland.org/joseph-lloyd-manor.
