Giselle B Robinson
Giselle B Robinson was born in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands & was brought to Texas by way of New Jersey in the early 2000s. Robinson became a pillar in the Southwest poetry scene, recognized by her St. Thomas accent & raw poetry. Giselle’s voice and her words, her stories and her style, reflected the deeply ingrained West Indian values and traditions she was raised with. She was warm and smooth, deep and as vibrant as the Caribbean Sea. She was on several local slam teams multiple times, performing nationally & at national competitions.
In honor of Giselle B Robinson, an annual award for best written poem is presented in her name.
In 2017, The University of Pennsylvania and Kelly's Writers House partnered with YDFW, Inc. to annually sponsor two student winners of the Giselle B Robinson award for full scholarships to their summer writing program.
In 2021, The University of Iowa’s Iowa Young Writers Studio partnered with YDFW to sponsor the winner of the Giselle Robinson award with a full scholarship to their summer writing program.
Giselle B Robinson Award Nominations: Best Written Poem
2023 Nominations
WINNER: Jordan Harris of West Mesquite High School
Guest Judge: Arketa Williams
All works below have been submitted by high school students participating in the Young DFW Writers program. Poems may contain mature content and themes. Click a title to read the poem!
Giselle B Robinson Award Nominations: Best Written Poem
2022 Nominations
WINNER: Alyssa Calhoun-West Mesquite High School “Colored Words”
Guest Judge: Christopher Michael
All works below have been submitted by high school students participating in the Young DFW Writers program. These entries are judged blind by our Fabrica De La Palabra feature poet. Poems may contain mature content and themes. Click a title to read the poem!
Giselle B Robinson Award Nominations: Best Written Poem
2021 Nominations
All works below have been submitted by high school students participating in Louder than a Bomb through Young DFW Writers. These entries are judged blind by our Check the Method feature poet. Poems may contain mature content and themes. Click a title to read the poem!
Giselle B Robinson Award Nominations: Best Written Poem
2020 Nominations
All works below have been submitted by high school students participating in Louder than a Bomb through Young DFW Writers. These entries are judged blind by our Check the Method feature poet. Poems may contain mature content and themes. Click a title to read the poem!
Giselle B Robinson Award Nominations: Best Written Poem
2019 Nominations
Click on each title to read the poem
WINNER:
Giselle B Robinson Award Nominations: Best Written Poem
2018 Nominations
Click on each title to read the poem
WINNERS: ALEXIS & MARIA
Giselle B Robinson Award Nominations: Best Written Poem
2017 Nominations
Click on each name to read poem
WINNER: Abigail Tow - Keller HS
Giselle B Robinson Award Nominations: Best Written Poem
2016 Nominations
WINNER: Amberlee Clark
Giselle B Robinson Award Nominations: Best Written Poem
2015 Award
WINNER: Autumn King (Kipp Truth)