Celebrating 25 Years of Poetry and Community in Chattanooga
This year, Chattanooga is buzzing with excitement as Rhyme N Chatt Interactive Poetry Organization marks a remarkable 25th anniversary. That’s right, folks! The heart of poetry in our town is throwing a party, and you’re invited to join the fun. To commemorate this milestone, they’ve put together a stunning poetry anthology, filled to the brim with poems, pictures, and testimonials that reflect their amazing journey over the years.
Honoring a Vision
Vincent Phipps, the brilliant mind behind Rhyme N Chatt, shared his thoughts on this exciting occasion. “It is an honor to see the 25-year evolution of how a vision can still have a positive poetic impact on our Chattanooga community,” he said. Phipps is proud that they are the world’s first interactive poetry group, creating an environment that embraces creativity, discussion, and poetic expression.
Marsha Davis, who has been at the helm as president and executive director, expressed her sentiments, stating, “I have always had a strong belief in the healing power of writing.” Since the pandemic, she recognized the necessity of giving this organization back to the community. “There are too many people who need the services that we provide,” she added, emphasizing the importance of Rhyme N Chatt in fostering a supportive writing environment.
A Nonprofit with Purpose
It was back in 2021 that Rhyme N Chatt officially became a nonprofit organization, marking a new chapter for the group. Reflecting on their journey, Marsha noted, “It’s incredible to think about the impact that Rhyme N Chatt has had on our community over the past 25 years.” Many locals have discovered their voices, developed their skills, and formed lifelong friendships through the various events and workshops the organization has offered.
Since 1999, Rhyme N Chatt has stood as Chattanooga’s only nonprofit poetry organization. They’ve created a welcoming atmosphere where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can come together to share and discuss poetry and spoken word. By nurturing local talent and providing platforms for poets, they’ve enriched the cultural fabric of our city. Their open mic events, workshops, and outreach programs have been a launching pad for countless poets, helping them express their creativity.
Empowering Voices
Rhyme N Chatt is on a mission to inspire and empower individuals through the art of poetry. They’re dedicated to encouraging self-expression and fostering understanding among diverse groups. Their slogan, “changing lives one rhyme at a time,” embodies their commitment to promoting literacy, creativity, social engagement, and healing through the arts.
In just the past year, Rhyme N Chatt has teamed up with numerous local organizations, including the Chattanooga Festivals of Black Arts and Ideas, the Chattanooga Writers Guild, and more. This collaboration has opened doors for great outreach, helping them make an even greater impact on the community.
Looking Ahead
As Rhyme N Chatt steps into its next chapter, there’s a lot to look forward to. They’re excited about expanding their outreach programs and teaming up with more local nonprofits, schools, and community groups. Their goal? To create even more opportunities for poets and spoken word artists to shine, by bringing poetry to places it hasn’t been before.
While this 25th anniversary celebration is a significant milestone, it’s clear that the journey of empowering voices and building connections in Chattanooga is just beginning. To join in celebrating this incredible legacy, check out their website at www.RhymeNChatt.org. You can order copies of their commemorative anthology and find out more about how to become a member. Here’s to the next 25 years of poetry in Chattanooga!
