Snapping fingers replaced applause for students reading poetry Wednesday at Valparaiso University.
The poetry slam was a collaboration between the Black Student Organization (BSO) and the
Latin X in Valparaiso for Excellence (L.I.V.E.), as one of the events to celebrate Black History
Month.
Junior Jayde Harris read “America” by Claude McKay. “I chose this because it resonated with
me with the political state of America right now,” said McKay, whose hometown is East
Chicago. “There are so many movements going on within our community and I thought this
poem fit the time.”
Lily Velazquez, a freshman from the Crown Point/St. John area, read “I Love Music” by an unknown author.
“I am a musician, I play the saxophone, and I have a strong relationship with music,” said
Velazquez. “It is a way to express myself and be in tune with myself.”
The BSO at Valparaiso University, established in 1967, is an award-winning student group
dedicated to unity and cultural awareness of African-American heritage. Every February, the
BSO offers a public calendar of events, and this year included a soul food brunch, a guess the song game, and a screening of the movie “Sinners”.
L.I.V.E. celebrates Hispanic and Latin X heritage by hosting events for the campus and the
community. Some of their campus events this year will include a gala and a tote bag painting
night.
Angel Johnson, a senior from Chicago, was glad that the two organizations collaborated to host
the poetry slam. “We don’t get a chance to do events together very often,” said Johnson, who
plans to work with a youth violence prevention organization after graduation.
BSO President Tyrell Frieson chose to read Corinthians 13 from the Bible. “I like to carry this
verse with me to spread love.”
“A poetry slam is an art form that gives people a creative space to connect with each other,” said
Frieson. “Poetry is indirect and subtle and can be more of a powerful connection with people.”
For more information on the two organizations and their events, visit https://www.valpo.edu/student-life/multicultural-programs/organizations/live/ or
https://www.valpo.edu/student-life/multicultural-programs/organizations/bso/.
Deena Butterfield is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
