The 2 Cents Movement: A Timeline of Impact

Founded in 2012, The 2 Cents Movement has consistently championed youth empowerment, artistic expression, and social engagement through spoken word poetry. Their innovative programming has fostered critical thinking, creativity, and self-expression, leaving a significant mark on Trinidad and Tobago’s artistic landscape.

 

2012: Foundation and First Major Slam

  • November 17th, 2012: The 2 Cents Movement launched VERSES 2012, one of the Caribbean’s largest poetry slams. This event evolved into The First Citizens National Poetry Slam, a flagship platform for poets, which the organization founded and organized until 2019, significantly contributing to the growth of spoken word in the country.

 

2013: Expanding Reach and Impact

  • June 12th, 2013: The Movement performed for its largest audience to date, delivering spoken word poetry to a mass student body at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), broadening the art form’s reach and inspiring young people.
  • November 4th, 2013: The first Secondary School Tour commenced at Bon Air Secondary School, marking the beginning of extensive school outreach across Trinidad and Tobago.
  • 2013-2014: The “2 Cents for Change” project launched, utilizing YouTube to share spoken word poetry videos, reaching hundreds of thousands of viewers nationwide.

 

2014: Formalizing the School Competition

  • 2014: Following the success of the school tours, the Secondary Schools National Poetry Festival was officially named “Raise The Bar (RTB),” establishing a prominent national competition for young poets.

 

2016: Engaging Primary Schools

  • March 2016: The Movement began engaging with primary schools through the Republic Bank Inspire Tour, visiting over 15 schools in Trinidad and conducting workshops and showcases, which continued until 2019.

 

2017: International Expansion

  • June 2017: The 2 Cents Movement embarked on a UK tour, performing in schools in London and at festivals in Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon, gaining international exposure and fostering cultural exchange.

 

2020: Regional and Social Impact

  • January 2020: A Regional School Tour, sponsored by the British High Commission, brought the Movement to schools in Belize, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Barbados, extending their influence across the Caribbean.
  • 2020-2023: Partnering with the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), the Movement launched the “Borders of Hope” campaign, using spoken word poetry to address migration issues in Trinidad, particularly relating to the Venezuelan migrant crisis.

 

Ongoing Impact and Recognition

Throughout its history, The 2 Cents Movement has collaborated with numerous partners and sponsors, including the US Embassy, British High Commission, TEDx, MindWise TT, Eastern Credit Union, Republic Bank, Bocas Lit Fest, Young Chicago Authors, Frenetic Arts (Barbados), YATA (Belize), and Girls of a Feather (St. Lucia), among others. The organization has also received two national youth awards for its outstanding programming.

The 2 Cents Movement continues to elevate the spoken word poetry scene, empower youth voices, and inspire positive change through the power of words.

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