Maya Angelou may know why the caged bird sings, but tonight she’s also the reason why the college student slams.
Mic With Maya, a free poetry slam hosted by the Student Activities Board, will give students a shot to meet and perform for renowned author and poet Maya Angelou.
Students will step up to the microphone and deliver their own words with rhythm and rhyme in hopes of winning the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The winner of the competition will take the stage again Feb. 19 and perform his or her poem at the University’s A Night With Maya Angelou event.
According to human resources education junior and SAB chair of Trending Topics Melanie McKoin, Mic With Maya offers students a chance to stand up and be heard by more than just their peers.
“The chance that you get to meet Dr. Maya Angelou makes this poetry slam completely different than any other poetry slam that has been hosted at LSU,” McKoin said. “Not every day do you get to go around saying, ‘I wrote a poem and now I get to meet Dr. Maya Angelou.’”
The event will showcase more than classical poetry. Information systems sophomore Na’Kia Ricks speaks her mind through rap, using a wide range personal experiences to put her own spin on Angelou-inspired themes like self-esteem, black history, family or violence.
“I write about what’s actually going on,” Ricks said. “Whether it’s in my life or the next person’s life, I’m writing about it. Whether I’m spending this money or not making money at all, I’m writing about it. Whether I’m in the club or getting stopped by the police, I’m writing about it. I don’t discriminate when it comes down to topics.”
For performers like Ricks, any poetry slam is a chance to channel the same tenacity and power that made Angelou famous.
“Usually before a performance, I’m backstage getting ready to bring an attitude into the microphone. I’m listening to other people’s music, making phone calls, trying to get hype, bouncing around, just so that I can bring that same energy,” Ricks said. “And to see the looks on people’s faces once I’m done or to personally know I’ve done a good job, is my favorite thing.”
This connection between the performers and the audience could make Mic With Maya a memorable evening even for those who don’t take on the challenge. McKoin encourages all students to attend, even if they’ve never written a verse.
“If you are there just to watch the event, that’s OK too,” McKoin said. “I hope that you get a sense of who Dr. Maya Angelou is through our poetry slam, and I hope you come to understand her greatness by the words of your peers.”
Mic With Maya will take place tonight at 8 p.m. in the Live Oak Lounge of the Student Union.
