South Campus hosted the African-American Poetry Slam Feb. 1 where local poets competed for a $200 prize.
During the open-mic session, students also showcased individual works.
Mishuna MacDonald of student development services said she and others wanted to do something for Black History Month where students could assist with the planning process.
“We brought the Poetry Slam here so they could utilize their talents and their gifts, and they could see it [poetry] on another level,” she said. “It was something that would capture the students’ attention because it’s all about the students.”
Student William Timmons performed his piece “Black Man in the Struggle.”
“Without my positive friends leading me to the right way, I wouldn’t know where I would be today,” he said.
Student Reginald Richmond, who also performed, said he never puts a title on his works unless they are fully finished. Richmond is also passionate about education, he said.
“Like I said in the poem, read everything that you can possibly read,” he said.
South instructor Shereah Fonteno was part of the planning committee.
“We all worked on different events that’s trying to bring activities that the students will be able to connect to,” she said.
— Mona Lisa Tucker
