How Def Poets Society is taking over the Cincinnati Poetry Scene

Cincinnati, OH — Def Poets Society (DPS) started as a dream—a dream to elevate Cincinnati’s poetry scene to the national stage and create a community where spoken word artists could thrive and be seen. Founded by Nick “Fury” Blackburn and Makiah “Kiah” Malan in 2023, DPS was born from a fusion of inspiration: a combination of two influential cultural touchstones—Dead Poets Society and Def Poetry Jam—and a nod to the iconic Fresh Prince episode that featured the titular “Def Poets Society.” What started as an effort to represent Cincinnati at the prestigious Southern Fried Poetry Slam quickly became a movement that would shape the future of spoken word in the city.

“Growing up, I watched Dead Poets Society, and I saw how poetry could bring together a group of diverse individuals to do something transformative,” says Fury. “On the other hand, Def Poetry Jam showed me the power of the mic, the stage, and the art form as a way to speak truth to power. Combining the two seemed like the perfect way to honor both worlds.”

A Dream to Represent Cincinnati

DPS’s origins were tied to an ambitious goal—representing Cincinnati on the national stage at the Southern Fried Poetry Slam in Knoxville. With Fury at the helm as Slam Master, and Kiah bringing a fresh energy to the scene, the team was poised to make a splash in the competitive world of poetry slams.

The first year was a whirlwind—recruiting top talent, rehearsing for the event, and preparing to face off against other teams from across the country. Despite the challenges, DPS made its debut in 2023 with a performance that garnered attention and respect in the world of slam poetry.

However, the team’s journey took an unexpected turn. After the 2023 competition, Fury decided to take the 2024 year off from the competitive poetry scene to focus on building his bar, The White Rabbit Lounge, and laying the groundwork for the next chapter of DPS. It was a time of reflection, rejuvenation, and growth.

“I knew I had to step back and put my energy into my business to make sure I could be the best version of myself for DPS going forward,” Fury reflects. “But during that time, we were still working behind the scenes, recruiting new poets, and building the foundation for an even stronger 2025.”

The Return: 2025 and Beyond

After a year of regrouping, Def Poets Society is coming into 2025 stronger than ever. The team is launching full steam ahead with their website, complete with official DPS merchandise and new books and chapbooks from founding members Nick Fury Blackburn, Makiah Malan, and Just Dave Oxner. The literary landscape in Cincinnati is about to be changed forever as DPS pushes forward with new works from the talented poets within its ranks.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. DPS is also introducing the Cincinnati Poetry Slam, a new and inclusive platform for poets in the city to compete, connect, and showcase their talents. This event will bring the energy, intensity, and camaraderie that defines a true poetry slam, while also fostering the growth of the spoken word scene in the Queen City.

“We’ve always had the vision of turning DPS into more than just a slam team,” says Makiah Malan, DPS co-founder. “It’s about building a poetry ecosystem—a space where poets can grow, get the exposure they deserve, and connect with one another in meaningful ways.”

A Movement, Not Just a Team

As Def Poets Society expands into 2025, it is becoming clear that DPS is no longer just a slam team—it’s a movement. With its fingers on the pulse of Cincinnati’s poetry scene, DPS is growing into a hub for all things poetry in the Midwest, bringing fresh voices, collaborations, and opportunities for poets of all backgrounds and styles.

DPS is also continuing to challenge the boundaries of what poetry can be by embracing the digital space. With the launch of their official website, merchandise, and media platform, they aim to connect poets and audiences across the nation and the world. The idea is to build a sustainable platform that will not only celebrate poetry but help it evolve into a powerful, accessible art form for the masses.

“The goal has always been to give poets the space to thrive,” Fury says. “Whether it’s through our live shows, our books, or our digital presence, DPS is about making sure poets have the tools and the platform to reach new heights.”

As 2025 kicks into high gear, Def Poets Society is not just looking to take over Cincinnati; they are looking to reshape the entire landscape of poetry in the U.S. From their new residency programs, their collaborations with other artistic organizations, and their commitment to amplifying poets from all walks of life, the future of DPS looks incredibly bright.

In the words of Fury, “This is just the beginning. We’ve got big plans—and they’re just getting started.”