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GBOMA 2025
10/02/2025 @ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
The Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards (GBOMA) is returning for its 31st year! GBOMA is an annual poetry competition founded by Gwendolyn Brooks, Illinois’ third Poet Laureate.
This year, the top contestants were selected by guest judge Dan “Sully” Sullivan, and are invited to perform their original poems at this live finals event on October 2, where the audience favorite is awarded the $500 prize.
Come out and support the 2025 finalists for the Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards (GBOMA) as they perform their works live. Join us for an all-ages event of poetry and community.
2025 GBOMA Finalists
Barbara Barrows
Chirskira Caillouet
Mars April Caulton
Sylvia Ewing
Lisa Farver
Rocio Franco
Gregorio Gomez
Crystal Vance Guerra
Wesley Frazier Keys
Miguel Marzana
Ciara Miller
Hilesh Patel
Sayeda Qader
Sandra Santiago
Samina Hadi-Tabassum
Kara Rose Trojan