CHESS Hosts Virtual Black History Month Poetry Slam

Calvin “madeS.O.N.” Early

Prominent slam poets performed via Facebook live on February 23 for the annual Black History Month Poetry Slam. The event was part of the Building Community Through the Arts initiative and was hosted by the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences.

Calvin “madeS.O.N.” Early of Miami took home first place with Falú (Jennifer) from New York City coming in a close second. E’mon Lauren of Chicago and Austin Antoine of California also performed.

Dean Elaine Carey, who provided the welcome, was moved by the artists performances.

She stated, “The artists’ works were bold and visionary. Their poetry, conversation and music brought creative activism to the PNW audience through art that tackled personal, societal and political issues.”

Viewers of the stream were able to choose their favorite performance through a live voting option. Artists engaged in meaningful dialogue and answered questions from the audience in between sets. Young Chicago Author’s official DJ Ca$h Era served as emcee.

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