We invite poets of African, Afro-Caribbean, and African diaspora heritage from across the globe to submit original poems that reflect this year’s theme: Beyond the Month.
Black history is not confined to a single month — it is an ongoing story of strength, resistance, creativity, and legacy. We are seeking poetry that explores the lived realities, the joys, the struggles, and the unending journey of Black history beyond October.
WHO CAN ENTER?
– poets of African, Afro-Caribbean, and African diaspora heritage from across the globe
– Poets based anywhere in the world
– Poems must be submitted in English
– Free to enter
– One poem per person
IMPORTANT DATES
Submissions Close: Tuesday, 30 September 2025
Selected Poems Published: Throughout October 2025, in honour of UK Black History Month
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
– Three poems will be selected for publication on the Poem Stellium website
– Selected poems will be featured in our annual printed collection — a saddle-stitched booklet to be shared at fairs, events, and community gatherings
– If you are based in London, UK, and feel comfortable performing your work, you may be invited to share your poem at one of our events
HOW TO SUBMIT
Please forward your poem to: submissions@poemstellium.com
You can:
– Write your poem directly in the body of the email, or
– Attach it as a Word document (.doc or .docx)
Please do not send PDFs.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
We have kept this competition open with as few restrictions as possible — because there are no limits to how Black history can be expressed. Your poem can be long or short, lyrical or direct, messy or polished. What matters most is your honesty and truth.
Profanity and strong language are welcome if they serve the integrity of your poem — but we cannot accept work that is hateful, discriminatory, or deliberately harmful toward others.