Newark Vocational High School Student is State Finalist in Poetry Competition

NEWARK, N.J. – Torajah Broadway, a senior at Newark Vocational High School is Poetry Out Loud’s regional champion of Essex and Union counties.

“I was very surprised,” said Broadway, who was one of 12 student poets in the regional competition at the South Orange Performing Arts Center earlier this month. “My competitors were absolutely amazing.”

Broadway will advance to Poetry Out Loud’s statewide competition in Red Bank on Wednesday, March 12th, where the winner will go on to the finals in Washington, D.C. and vie for the national title.

In the regional competition, Broadway delivered a performance of “The Rights of Women” by Anna Laetitia Barbauld, who is often referred to as a proto-feminist or a pioneer of the modern feminist movements.

Broadway, who attends the Hospitality and Tourism Academy at Newark Vocational High School, said from the moment her drama teacher, Khalilah Goins, gave her a copy of the poem, she felt a special connection to the work. 

“This poem is about equality and women coming to terms with striving for absolute equality and disturbing societal norms as they embrace their femininity,” Broadway said.

“Torajah’s success in the Poetry Out Loud regional competition is a shining example of the passion and dedication we nurture at Newark Vocational High School,” said Principal Karisa Neis-Lopez. “Her ability to bring powerful words to life through performance is truly inspiring, and we are beyond proud of her. Torajah’s commitment to excellence, along with the guidance of her teacher and the support of her family, has led her to this remarkable achievement. We will be cheering her on as she takes the stage at the state competition, knowing that she represents the very best of our school and our community.”

Superintendent León and Board of Education President Hasani K. Council congratulated Broadway on her achievement.

“This Poetry Out Loud honor brings enormous pride to Newark Vocational High School and Newark Public Schools,” said Superintendent León. “Torajah’s award-winning delivery of Anna Barbauld’s ‘The Rights Of Women’ reminds us of women’s long struggle for equality and that so much work for equality remains today. As Torajah prepares to compete in the state competition, which is scheduled during Women’s History Month, I want to thank Principal Karisa Neis-Lopez, Drama Teacher Khalilah Goins, Torajah’s family for supporting our very special student and outstanding District ambassador.”

“Torajah’s remarkable achievement in the Poetry Out Loud competition is a result of her talent, dedication, and the outstanding support from Newark Vocational High School,” said President Council. “Her powerful recitation of ‘The Rights of Women’ not only showcases her artistic excellence but also highlights the enduring importance of advocating for equality. We are incredibly proud of her success and look forward to cheering her on at the state competition. Congratulations to Torajah, her family, her teachers, and everyone who has supported her on this journey.”