Guild Literary Complex

Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards (GBOMA)

The Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards (GBOMA) is an annual poetry competition founded by Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000) and open to all Illinois residents over the age of 18.

The top contestants selected by guest judges from the poetry community are invited to perform their original poems at the live finals event, where the audience favorite is awarded the $500 prize.

GBOMA 2023

The Guild’s 2023 GBOMA Event was held on Thursday, September 28, 2023 (7pm) at the Den Theatre.

Congratulations to the 2023 GBOMA winner: Myron Stokes!

You can enjoy hearing the 2023 GBOMA performances in the audio recording below:

PAST GBOMA EVENTS