Students learn to express themselves
Gabe Estill
Issue date: 3/8/02 Section: The Edge
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While the weather may have attempted to halt our mobility, it was not enough to hinder the celebration of the human art of statement during the regular Cultural Expressions presentation, held Friday night in the University Union Lamoine Room.
The theme of the evening revolved around the concept of libation, or the honoring of one's ancestors. That concept was taken even further to include the slogan "Am I My Brother's and Sister's Keeper?"
Roughly 100 individuals were present to witness the honoring as many young expressionists showcased their words through poetry and rap mediums.
Following an introduction by Tiffany Moore, the evening began with a poem titled "I've Had Enough" by Wendy Perez. Despite the outpouring of emotion on Perez's part, the words obviously had a deeply personal significance; the poem itself expressed little aesthetic quality and came across more like a diary entry. The author, like many of the evening's contemporaries, even went as far to say the person's name as the audience wooed in shock.
While the theme of ending a relationship or being on the bitter end of such a spectrum prevailed in many selections, the mention of a person's name dissolved some of the impact of such works that would have held more weight had they been less of a personal attack. As long as it served as means of release for the author, and it appeared as though it did, I suppose some level of accomplishment and closure were achieved.
Along with a few other scheduled poets, including the talented "Zakk," the remainder of the evening was left for open mic participants. In this portion of the show, more of the gritty realism emerged as expressionists shared their hopes, dreams and observations.
Perhaps the greatest depth came from the likes of a WIU student artist dubbed Ka$hus. In his "Dearly Departed," Ka$hus, influenced by the likes of NAS and Rakim, spoke of being unable to see tomorrow and how we often escape reality and how such actions lead to often bitter ends. Another highlight emerged in the form of a hip-hop duo, Universe and Cory, who spoke truthful rhymes set to the backdrop of the evening's DJ, Courtney.
Noteworthy poetry also emerged from the likes of Cassina Sanders' "A Good Poem About Brothers," as well as Sheffield's raw and unapologetic "Please Save Me Before They Enslave Me."
The evening ended with a symbolic chant of ancestry, much in accordance with the prevailing themes of spoken word that graced the stage.
The theme of the evening revolved around the concept of libation, or the honoring of one's ancestors. That concept was taken even further to include the slogan "Am I My Brother's and Sister's Keeper?"
Roughly 100 individuals were present to witness the honoring as many young expressionists showcased their words through poetry and rap mediums.
Following an introduction by Tiffany Moore, the evening began with a poem titled "I've Had Enough" by Wendy Perez. Despite the outpouring of emotion on Perez's part, the words obviously had a deeply personal significance; the poem itself expressed little aesthetic quality and came across more like a diary entry. The author, like many of the evening's contemporaries, even went as far to say the person's name as the audience wooed in shock.
While the theme of ending a relationship or being on the bitter end of such a spectrum prevailed in many selections, the mention of a person's name dissolved some of the impact of such works that would have held more weight had they been less of a personal attack. As long as it served as means of release for the author, and it appeared as though it did, I suppose some level of accomplishment and closure were achieved.
Along with a few other scheduled poets, including the talented "Zakk," the remainder of the evening was left for open mic participants. In this portion of the show, more of the gritty realism emerged as expressionists shared their hopes, dreams and observations.
Perhaps the greatest depth came from the likes of a WIU student artist dubbed Ka$hus. In his "Dearly Departed," Ka$hus, influenced by the likes of NAS and Rakim, spoke of being unable to see tomorrow and how we often escape reality and how such actions lead to often bitter ends. Another highlight emerged in the form of a hip-hop duo, Universe and Cory, who spoke truthful rhymes set to the backdrop of the evening's DJ, Courtney.
Noteworthy poetry also emerged from the likes of Cassina Sanders' "A Good Poem About Brothers," as well as Sheffield's raw and unapologetic "Please Save Me Before They Enslave Me."
The evening ended with a symbolic chant of ancestry, much in accordance with the prevailing themes of spoken word that graced the stage.