On Tuesday February 27th, Noho Poets and Black Student Union collaborated on what was the third annual Black History Month poetry slam, highlighting both student poets and numerous African American poets, such as Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and Amanda Gorman.
The slam took place during the third and fourth period, with numerous English and social science classes invited to listen to student voices.
The slam took place in the agriculture area, creating an intimate and peaceful venue for words of students to be heard. Decorations of hearts, pictures of numerous African American leaders, and paper lanterns were hung about the area to create a colorful and vibrant atmosphere.
In total, ten student poets were heard, with their poems ranging from topics on romantic relationships, the humanistic experience, women’s equality, the environment, and political justice, and individuality.
However, what makes the slams so unique is the complete freedom the student poets have to use their voice. The space, even though it ranged from 50-60 audience members, was completely non judgemental, open, and safe. Students in the audience maintained captivated faces, respectful empathy, and a steady stream of attention to their peers who were reading poems.
Not a phone was in sight.
One of the student poets, Ava Hernandez, reflected on her experience reading poetry in the slam: “It was really great…I love the effort that both the student speakers and the audience gave throughout the slam with their full attention and support for everyone who spoke.”
Hernandez added, “Although it can be at first difficult to be vulnerable and pour your feelings and what you’re passionate about on paper, writing and sharing what you have to say [can] help you sort out difficult feelings.”
Another student poet, junior Noah Nosrati, commented on the slam: “The slam felt great…there are a lot of talented poets [in the club].”
When asked about how he would encourage other students to write poetry, Nosrati replied: “I would encourage others…by [asking] them to use [poetry] as a way to get their emotions out…it is a very effective way of helping people control emotions.”
The yearly tradition of highlighting poetry through student voices, especially under the umbrella of Black History Month and celebrating African American poets, is something that is sure to continue, as well as create a new wave of students encouraged to use their voices for years to come.
