Poet ‘slams’ university

Award-winning slam poet visits students 

On Nov. 3, Magnolia Ballroom was filled with the sounds of Andrea Gibson’s poetry slam. Gibson is known for her raw, outspoken and unapologetic views on everything from politics and bullying to sexual orientation.

The Women’s Resource Center and Campus Activities Board were responsible for putting the event together. Director of the Women’s Resource Center Jennifer Graham said that she chose Gibson to come and speak because she covers a wide scope of topics.

“Between politics, gender issues and global issues, there is something that everyone in the Georgia College community can relate to,” Graham said.

Indeed, Gibson did cover an array of different topics. She performed a piece titled “I Do” which discusses the controversial issue of gay marriage. She also performed a poem about self-acceptance and learning to love ones self titled “I Sing the Body Electric, Especially when My Power’s Out.” There was also a poem about the Iraq War how it is affecting the soldiers, titled “To Eli.” Gibson wrote that poem after a friend returned from the war overseas and felt like he was not the same person.

Senior fine arts major Tennyson Mosher commented on the event, “She writes and speaks about her life experiences as well as others she has heard about,” Mosher said. “She was incredibly inspirational, and I had never heard her poetry or anything of her before (she came to GC). Not only does she address issues about her sexuality and being gay, but she also recited poetry about our armed forces, politics, love and childhood experiences.”

When the event started and Gibson took the stage, almost 80 people had come to hear her speak. Britta Gervais, president of CAB and senior art history major, said they were thrilled to have a performer come who addresses such issues as gender, diversity and sexuality.

“I am a huge fan of slam poetry and Gibson’s poetry was incredibly moving. She has such a presence when she steps onto that stage,” Gervais said. “As an audience, one feels as if she is speaking directly to them. She challenges stereotypes and difficult topics with moving poetry and humor.”

Gibson is the winner if the 2008 Women’s World Poetry Slam and her first book, “Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns,” won the DIY Poetry Book of the Year. Gibson’s messages, dealing with diversity and tolerance, are ones that are often forgotten. With a campus of students from every walk of life, diversity is something GC students encounter every day.

Tina Yarborough, an art history professor, says she thought Gibson and her performance was remarkable.

“She was incredibly versatile and had one of the most beautiful voices as well as a phenomenal stage presence that I have had the pleasure of seeing,” Yarborough said. “The issues she covered were all very current and many that I also support. I thought she was challenging and humorous, all in all a terrific poet/artist/performer.”