Poetry Jam opens minds, promotes communication

By Kirsten Coachman
The Collegian

The Spring Poetry Jam is a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of school life, said Deborah Napoleon, a committee member for the Poetry Jam.

The Poetry jam kicks off its spring season at the Fresno State Coffeehouse/Pub, tonight at 7 p.m.

“The Poetry Jam is a venue where students, faculty, staff, and community members can come out on the first Wednesday of every month, and have a place where they can express themselves in spoken word, dance, music, or any art,” Napoleon said.

The Poetry Jam is an open-mic night, where anyone from a beginning poet or more experienced reader can go up and perform.

Napoleon said when the Poetry Jam was originally planned one of its biggest goals was to promote different kinds of personal development.

“It is for personal development, and to teach them how important communication is, no matter what form you use,” Napoleon said.

Napoleon said the Poetry Jam promotes professional development “by helping people develop their speaking in front of people and creative abilities.”

Along with personal development, Napoleon said one of the biggest goals of the Poetry Jam is encouraging people to express themselves. And everyone is encouraged to do so.

The Poetry Jam, now in its sixth year, is also in its fifth year of being funded through the Diversity Awareness Grant. This grant is given because the Poetry Jam helps promote awareness of different cultures.

“We actually have to write a proposal for the grant every year,” Napoleon said.

The Poetry Jam has gained support from not only sponsors, including the Women’s Resource Center, the Women’s Alliance, the University Student Union and Associated Students, but also by regular attendees.

“We have some very loyal people that are there every Poetry Jam. Every Poetry Jam, we have a whole bunch of new people, which is really great,” Napoleon said.

For students who have never attended a Poetry Jam, Napoleon asks students to come with an open mind.
“It gives you a chance, a night to relax, and to enjoy something while you’re still learning. Just a change of pace,” she said.

Comment on this story in the Features forum >>