Alexandra Stewart’s chilling poem, “Alexa” which addressed racism and other related social issues was more than enough to satisfy judges at Sunday night’s First Citizens Bank National Poetry Slam, earning her the title of Champion for the second consecutive year.

 Now twenty-two years old, Stewart goes down as the first winner in the eight-year history of the First Citizens National Poetry Slam to prevail for a second time.

It is the fifth time a woman has copped first place.

She was followed by debut Slam competitor Kevin Soyer and second time finalist Ahmad Abdullah-Muhammad.

Sunday’s competition was held virtually for the first time, given the current COVID-19 restrictions.

Underscoring the senseless harm of racism, Stewart’s piece earned her the generous reward of $50,000, with Soyer picking up $20,000 and Abdullah-Muhammad $10,000, all courtesy title sponsors First Citizens.

Head judge, award-winning poet Funso Aiyejina observed, “It is evident that our young men and women are dealing, directly or vicariously, with a lot of pain and trauma. But it was not all doom and gloom. There were funny lines here and there and many of the poets saw beyond darkness to the hope that allows them to rise and shine most days.” He added, “On many counts, this year’s Bocas Lit Fest and the National Poetry Slam are testimonies to the enduring nature of the human spirit.”

See her masterful performance below: (Video Source: CCN TV6)