Founded in 1998, Black on Black Rhyme began in the living room of writer and poet, Keith Rodgers. Initially hosted at his apartment as an open poetry reading, or “cipher” called Poetic Drive Bys, Rodgers hosted weekly audiences giving voice to students, professionals and community members from all walks of life. By the end of 1998 it became abundantly clear that there were far too many poets and too much talent for Rodgers' living room. So in search of a new venue, Rodgers discovered Mt. Zion’s Calypso Café, a quaint Caribbean restaurant just a few miles downhill from the campus of historic Florida A&M University.

It was here that Rodgers’ vision of Spoken Word as a cultural event was first conceived and implemented.  He formed the first Poetry Troupe, BackTalk! Poetry Troupe, made up of local poets, writers, lyricists, rappers, DJs, musicians and singers and they would converge every Thursday at the Cafe to share their talents with an ever growing audience.   BackTalk! is also a traveling troupe of performers that have performed on stages from New York to the Netherlands.

Today, 13 years later, Black on Black Rhyme has emerged to become one of the country's most highly respected poetry organizations and has become an acclaimed forum for innovative poetry, music, hip hop, video, visual arts and comedy. With venues in Florida, New York and Georgia, Black on Black Rhyme continues to reach a diverse audience of poetry and spoken word lovers.

The mission of the Black on Black Rhyme is to Enlighten and Educate using poetry to create a positive influence and improving the quality of life for all those that come in contact with the Art of Spoken Word.

Black on Black Rhyme's purpose has always been to give a voice to poets and artists traditionally under-represented in the mainstream media and culture.

Black on Black Rhyme is seeking to partner with local schools and colleges, small businesses and local media networks to implement programs which promote spoken word and cultural showcases, poetry competitions or “slams”, creative writing workshops, speech therapy and performance arts.

We are also looking to establish performance poetry as a form of therapy to adults, children and seniors currently living in rehabilitation centers and facilities.