Verbal Blend Hosts Spoken Word Programs throughout Fall Semester

Verbal Blend, a spoken word poetry program coordinated by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, is hosting a number of poetry events this semester. Included in these events is the annual Spoken Word Poetry Institute, which will feature poet Jessica Care Moore, on Friday, Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 1.

Jessica Care Moore

Moore is the CEO of Moore Black Press, executive producer of Black WOMEN Rock!, and founder of the literacy-driven Jess Care Moore Foundation. An internationally renowned poet, playwright, author, performance artist and producer, Moore has earned numerous honors for her poetry and performances. During her career she has earned the 2013 Alain Locke Award from the Detroit Institute of Arts, had her poetry heard on stages like Carnegie Hall and the London Institute of Contemporary Arts, and won a record-breaking five times on “It’s Showtime at the Apollo.” Her poetry has been featured in music, on television and in publications, such as Nas’ Nastradamus’ album, Talib Kweli’s “Attack The Block” mix tape and Russell Simmons’ “Def Poetry Jam” series.

On Saturday, Oct. 1, at 11:30 a.m., Moore will facilitate “Don’t Sweat the Technique,” a daylong workshop for writers and performers. It will be held in the Schine Student Center, room 228B. Students should register for the workshop by emailing Cedric T. Bolton, coordinator of student engagement, at ctbolton@syr.edu.  Moore will also participate in a panel discussion at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 1 in Schine Student Center, room 304ABC.

As part of the Spoken Word Poetry Institute, which is supported by the Nu Rho Poetic Society, Moore is also being presented with the Poetic Icon Award at the Nu Rho Founders Celebration. This award recognizes a poet who has been a trailblazer with their approach to spoken word poetry and has made a significant global contribution to poetry through their body of published poems, books, interviews, lectures, performances, articles and writer’s workshops in universities and communities. The celebration begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30, and tickets are available at the Schine Box Office for $5 for students and $7 for staff, faculty and community members.

Other poetry events for this semester include:

• Sept. 21: Opening Reception, Jabberwocky Café, 7:30 p.m.
  Gathering for all students involved in or interested in learning more about spoken word on campus.

• Sept. 27 and 28: Start of 7 Writer’s Workshop Series, 120 Hinds Hall, 7 p.m.
  Every Tuesday and Wednesday, spoken word poetry workshop

• Oct. 13: Rep Where You’re From Open Mic, location and time TBA
  Open mic night for students to share poems about their culture, families, cities, friends and identities.

• Nov. 16: Ayo Technology Skype Engagement, location and time TBA
  A spoken word poetry program with live performances broadcasted remotely between Syracuse University and Wan Yuan U.S. High School in Shanghai, China.

• Dec. 8: Take the Mic Poetry Slam, location and time TBA
  A poetry competition for students from SU, SUNY ESF, Le Moyne College and Onondaga Community College.

“We are excited to host such a full calendar of poetry events for students this semester,” says Bolton, who works with Verbal Blend and Nu Rho Poetic Society. “Especially exciting this year is the creation and presentation of the first-ever Poetic Icon Award to none other than Jessica Care Moore.”

For more information about these events and spoken word poetry programs on campus, contact Bolton at 443-9676 or ctbolton@syr.edu, and visit the Office of Multicultural Affairs website.