Explore the Beat Poetry Revolution

I founded the National Beat Poetry Foundation, Inc. to bring different perspectives to how people view the beat poets.

I feel a great injustice was done in the past to many of the poets associated with the Beats. My goal is to bring people together through poetry, art and music. Change the negative views and warped truths of beat poets into a positive image. I try to focus on the natural world, respect all forms of life, and help preserve what is left of the wild spaces and the Earth itself. We are all interconnected to each other. Our words matter. The beat laureates in my organization are trying to be better versions of themselves by doing good in this world. I’m building a new generation of beat poets. Freedom and growth and giving all people a voice. I did not experience that in traditional poetry circles. I wasn’t accepted there. To me the word Beat means to keep evolving.

Debbie Tosun Kilday

Founder/Owner/CEO

National Beat Poetry Foundation, Inc. & its Nat’l & Int’l Festivals

BeatLife Magazine

Behavior:

The Writer, Author, Poet, Publisher, Artist shall act respectful, not commit any act that indicates dishonesty or moral turpitude or that otherwise could injure the National Beat Poetry Foundation, Inc. name, its owner, its recognized beat poet laureates, or any granted affiliate locations that are allowed to use the National Beat Poetry Foundation, Inc. name, it’s festival names, BeatLife Magazine, or it’s advisors or consultants reputation.

The Connecticut Beat Poetry Festival was held in June 2008 in Middletown, CT by Colin Haskins with help from Yvon J. Cormier. In 2014 there was renewed interest in the Beat movement and having Beat themed events. The name, National Beat Poetry Festival was created and Debbie Tosun Kilday joined in the planning of events. In 2016 Debbie Tosun Kilday incorporated the National Beat Poetry Foundation, Inc. and its festivals: National Beat Poetry Festival, International Beat Poetry Festival, and Kerouac Cafe. Colin Haskins and Yvon J. Cormier were named as business partners. In the later part of 2016 due to increased family obligations, time constraints, and lack of involvement, Yvon J. Cormier is no longer a part of the NBPF. In June 2019, Colin Haskins removed himself from the NBPF. Both Yvon J. Cormier and Colin Haskins are no longer affiliated or involved as co-owners, officers, have no title or decision making powers, cannot hold a location, or hold any events using the National Beat Poetry Foundation, Inc., National Beat Poetry Festival, International Beat Poetry Festival, Nat’l & Int’l Beat Festival Names, Kerouac Cafe, Nat’l & Int’l Goddess Festival, BeatLife Magazine or NBPF names.