Motown MIC: The Spoken Word Competition Grand Finale 2026

Motown MIC is back and once again, it's a battle of the bars. Who will rise to the mic and claim this year’s crown? Motown MIC: The Spoken Word Competition The ultimate showdown of wordsmiths returns September 20th at The CUBE! Get ready to witness our Top 10 Spoken Word Artists battle it out on stage. This will be a night of electrifying performances, raw emotions, and powerful messages. Whether you're a words enthusiast or just looking for a night of entertainment, this competition is sure to leave you speechless. Don't miss out on an evening filled with creativity, passion, and unforgettable moments. Join us at The CUBE for a night you won't soon forget! Motown MIC: The Spoken Word was created to pay homage to Motown Records’ Black Forum Label— a Motown spoken word label created by Berry Gordy and the Motown Corporation in the ‘70s as a venue for Black expression and education. The label served to capture the voices of African American poets and orators such as Langston Hughes, Stokely Carmichael, Elaine Brown, Ossie Davis and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose moving and inspirational “I Have A Dream” speech was recorded by the label. As Motown revolutionized the music industry, its Black Forum Label documented the social consciousness of a generation— Motown MIC: The Spoken Word is a continuation of that rich legacy. This community program is made possible with support from: W.K. Kellogg Foundation | Ford Philanthropy with additional support from The Elaine Stern Foundation | Library of Michigan | Mandell and Madeleine Berman Foundation | DTE Energy Foundation | CultureSource | Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation | Hudson-Webber Foundation • Doors Open at 4pm • Cash bar • On-site paid parking available