Russell Simmons Presents Brave New Voices, Russell Simmons Presents Brave New Voices 05

Young poets compete in qualifying events for the chance to represent their city at the Brave New Voices 2008 National Slam Championship.

With only a few weeks before the Washington finals, the real work begins for poetry teams in Philadelphia, Honolulu and Ann Arbor.

In New York, Britney's words help B. Yung face up to his emotions. Ann Arbor poets Aimee, Carolyn and Fiona practise a three-part poem.

With the Nationals around the corner, Ray, the Ft. Lauderdale coach, faces a difficult choice that will impact both Jasmine and Jon.

After arriving in Washington, 45 teams head to the Atlas Theatre for the National Slam Poetry quarterfinals.

Ten Slam survivors square off in two five-team semifinals staged on different Smithsonian stages, with each team performing four poems.

The finest youth poets in America take centre stage for the Brave New Voices Championship, held at the Lincoln Theatre.