Debaters Also Share Ideas in Poetry, Rap and Song

From http://media.www.accentadvocate.com/media/storage/paper794/news/2008/10/01/CampusBeat/Debaters.Transform.Into.Poets.Musicians-3453922.shtml

Debaters transform into poets, musicians

Lamar James
Issue date: 10/1/08

A boundary-free tone was set in the Fireside Room on Sept. 24, as students gathered to publicly express themselves at the Speech and Debate team's slamming Poetry Slam.

Hosted by the Association of Oration, a club which branched off from the Speech and Debate team, the event provided students a chance to display their individual talents through poetry, singing, dancing and the incorporation of various other forms of art.

"This is a place where we can all come and be ourselves," Speech and Debate team member Maria Rubio said. "We can say whatever we feel."

Rubio said the objective of the Poetry Slam is to avoid limits and judgment and give students a free, open atmosphere when it comes to what they want to say.

"Poetry is what you feel," she said. "So we will not judge you unless you want to be judged."

Students at the Poetry Slam recited a variety of different poems, each with their own different content and style.

Middle College High School student Sien Rivera performed a poem titled "Romantic Activism," dealing with romance and being an activist for what one believes in.

Alexus Deville, a Contra Costa College student, read the poem "Teacher Teach," which encouraged teachers to teach children to the best of their abilities, knowing that one day their generation will be running the country.

In addition to poetry, a number of students also performed other forms of art, such as singing and dancing.

Stevie Wonder's "A Ribbon in the Sky" received a modern cover, courtesy of student Lauren "Nebula" Banayate.

Additionally, the event raised funds for the Speech and Debate team so that they will be able to attend future tournaments across the state, team member Christopher Kiteas said.

"We wanted to give rappers, singers and public speakers a haven where they can come and not have to worry about being judged or be nervous because everyone is here to support you," Kiteas said. "We are not here to make fun of you or criticize you, but we are here to help you and make you feel comfortable."

All points considered, the event went well and raised a respectable amount of funds for the Speech and Debate team to attend future tournaments.

"I am here because I like poetry and I am here to support my friends," said Jaron Johnson, an MCHS student who performed a poem titled "God Bless America," touching on everything from poverty to the Iraqi War. "I was also invited to perform and I took up their offer. That was my first time ever sharing that poem".

The Speech and Debate team will look to attract a larger crowd, along with new members, by hosting a Poetry Slam each month, Rubio said.

Contact Lamar James at ljames.advocate@gmail.com.