BEYOND THE FREEDOM TRAIN
The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is July 4, 2026 and many Americans throughout the country will be celebrating freedom and contemplating the state of our democracy.
But no reflection will be complete without the voices of the nation’s poets reminding us to imagine a better future for all instead of just a select few.
As we embark upon this significant milestone, we are excited to invite new, emerging, and established poets to submit an original poem that may be included in a short film that honors Langston Hughes (1901-1967) and tells the story of his powerful poem, Freedom Train.
Hughes is recognized today as a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance and his work is known for its honest portrayal of Black life in America and social inequity.
THE DOCUMENTARY
Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist.
Open Call for Poets
In the tradition of Langston Hughes, poets are encouraged to write two poem based on our curated prompts that include themes of freedom, democracy, resistance, and the beauty of every day life.
Poets must be comfortable performing their original poem on camera for a short film. If selected, you will receive full credit for your work, however we do reserve the option to use another poet or actor to read your material.
There is no fee to submit. Payment is a $500 flat rate. All poets must be over 18yrs old.
All submitted poems should be unpublished. We request that you do not use generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of the writing or editing process.
Please include a brief biography with your submission and provide a statement of consent that says we can review your video and consider you for the documentary. If you are selected, an appearance agreement must also be signed prior to actual filming. Shooting will take place in New York City and Washington, DC in December 2025 and January 2026.
Video Submission Period: October 30, 2025 - December 1, 2025
Email Submissions: submissions@beyondthefreedomtrain.com
Subject Line: Freedom Train Poetry Submission
Poetry Prompts
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Our Future Self
If you wrote a poem for people to read 250 years from now, what would it say? How would you describe the best and worst of us? What would you say about the planet we are leaving behind? What advice would you offer to future Americans to create a better world?
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The Declaration of Independence
Write/rework the Declaration of Independence for our time. What do you declare? What truths do you hold to be self-evident? What unalienable rights would you like everyone to have? What does life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness mean now for the citizens of the United States.
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America's Founding Documents
Write a poem about the value and significance of one of the following documents: The Mayflower Compact, The Magna Carta, The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, The Bill of Rights, and The Emancipation Proclamation. Also consider what our world would look like if these founding ideals were never created.
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How Train Travel Changed America
Explore the importance of train travel in the lives of Americans over the last 250 years. Think about the scale of the Transcontinental railroads and the Black Americans (enslaved and free), Chinese and Irish Immigrants, Veterans, and Pullman Porters who were crucial to its construction and success.
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Freedom Train
The Freedom Train poem speaks directly to the contradiction between the nation’s democratic ideals and the social inequity created by segregation and Jim Crow laws in the South. Write a poem that mirrors modern society, inspires activism and continues the conversation that Langston Hughes started in 1947.
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Poetry as Protest
Poetry is language in motion, so imagine being on a moving train, looking out of the window and observing the sky, dry grass, overgrown trees, graffiti, and debris. Write about the beauty and underbelly of America’s small towns and citizens living by the train tracks. Speak to what we discard and keep in the name of progress in our country.
Video Submission Guidelines
You may submit two poems, each no more than 350 words. Include a written copy of each poem, double spaced in 12-point font. Include your videos in the body of the email or as a separate attachment.
Background
Video submissions must be shot on a clean, uncluttered background. A blank wall or a solid-colored sheet works well. Remove any distracting objects from view. Please do not include music or wear clothing with a visible logo during the reading of your poem.
Camera Angle & Framing
Set the camera horizontally (landscape mode) on a tripod or stable surface, not a selfie stick, at eye level. Frame the shot from the chest up, with a few feet of space behind you for depth of field.
Lighting
Make sure your light is adequate. Position yourself facing a light source, like a window, so your face is evenly lit and there are no harsh shadows. Avoid having the light source behind you.
Audio
Film in a quiet space to avoid background noise. Ensure the microphone is on and not obstructed.
Slate
At the start of your video, please include your full name, location, contact information and social media info. Also provide a verbal statement of consent that allows us to include your poem in our film if you are selected. Slate and say the name of your poem before you read your poem.