Art as an Agent for Change waxes poetic, hosts events at Blackbird

Creative students flocked to Blackbird Coffeehouse to enjoy a cathartic Poetry Jam on Sept. 23. The event was hosted by the organization Art as an Agent for Change, which has been a Registered Student Organization since 2006. The basement of the coffeehouse flooeds with all sorts of interesting people who had a lot of things on their mind, and consequently a lot of things on paper that they had prepared to speak about.

“People just love the chance to express themselves. I personally love bringing everyone together, free of charge, to laugh and (enjoy) fellowship with one another.” Paul Ayo, leader of AAC, said.

The event was the first in a series of Poetry Jam sessions for the year; the next one will be held Oct. 21. For some students, like senior Ariana Youmans, the event was the first time attending a Poetry Jam. Youmans knew Ayo from the organization Pride Alliance and was interested in seeing what a poetry reading would be like.

“I am anticipating to be very entertained and I expect nothing else than this to be an amazing poetic experience,” Youmans said.

Other students had been to the event many times before and came to find security in speaking freely to their fellow college students. Senior Jennifer McCuen loves to express herself in a way that she does not normally do.

“I usually keep my poetry to myself so its fun to be in a welcoming environment like this one,” McCuen said.

She wrote a powerful, concise poem called “Assumption City,” which received loud applause from her audience.

Seasoned writers like Brandon Kennon saw Poetry Jam as a way to perfect their craft. He said that he loves the rhythm of poetry and that he would love to eventually make his poems into songs.

“I am inspired by life lessons and love, as far as love in general and love in relationships,” Kennon said.

There were some students who enthusiastically spoke out about racism today, some angered by relationships gone wrong and others who painted their poems with fantastic imagery. Jerome German wrote a poem about poetry itself, ending with: “The poem is the epitome of poetic prowess.”

Some recited their verses from memory and many received concurrent snaps given for powerful phrases spoken. Each person had something unique to say, heeding the audience to relate to their story and see life the way that they do.

There is something quite special about “getting to hear different pieces of art,” Kennon said, and Poetry Jam is a perfect opportunity for that.

Anyone is welcome to attend the event whether one sits or shares his or her poetry. The Poetry Jam events happen the third Wednesday of every month.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Oct 2 2009. Filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry