Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
By Kayla Brown, Arts and Entertainment Editor
A small group of students gathered via Zoom for the annual Galentine’s Day Open Mic co-hosted by SU Slam Club and WomenSpeak on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m.
This annual event was held in honor of Galentine’s Day, a day that celebrates forms of love other than romance. It was co-hosted by the Slam Club’s treasurer, junior Kayla Bush, and secretary, sophomore Hannah Mackey, both of whom performed their own poetry.
Most of the performances focused around the theme of love in various capacities from romance to sisterly love, but people were encouraged to share whatever they have been working on.
Mackey’s performance described love using analogies such as “love is the words left unspoken.”
First-year Nala Washington opened the event with a piece in honor of Black History Month regarding Black love and what that meant personally. Washington referenced popular, trailblazing Black couples such as Barack and Michelle Obama and Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union.
Washington, the reigning champion of the SU Slam-o-ween Poetry Competition, used phrases to describe Black love such as “this love is sacred” and “this love don’t crack,” along with a catchy rhythm to keep the audience entertained throughout.
Junior Jack Snyder performed a new piece about what it means to love someone and what it means to be in love with someone. He used extensive vocabulary and had a calmness to his voice that held the audience’s attention.
Bush rounded out the scheduled performances by reading a new piece with relatable concepts that had the audience snapping and cheering her on through the chat.
Although there were not many participants, the overall atmosphere was very accepting and welcoming. As everyone took turns reading their pieces, the other participants were either snapping along or typing words of encouragement in the chat.
The atmosphere was so inviting that many people read two or three of their pieces. There were also some newcomers who read as well, sensing the kindness and support in the Zoom.
“Our open mic events are welcome to all SU students,” Bush said, “This is a safe space for students of all class years.”
SU Slam will be co-hosting an open mic on March 26 with Active Minds in support of mental health awareness and a Night of Noise open mic in mid-April with Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA), following the Day of Silence, which raises awareness about LGBTQ+-related suicide.
SU Slam meets on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Faylor Hall and on Zoom. More information is available by emailing Rachael Blaine, Hannah Mackey or Kayla Bush.
