Students compete for spots in city’s poetry slam
“I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams, which makes me my oppressors’ worst nightmares to be. People that look like me learning how to read were never part of their plan, so I’ll be damned if I don’t spend every day finding a new way to prove them wrong.”
These are the words of Nyah Hardmon on the struggles she faces being accepted as a smart, black woman. Hardmon was one of 14 Broward County high school students that spoke their truth for a spot in Sunrise’s ninth annual Word Up! Poetry Slam. The competition is made possible in collaboration with the Jason Taylor Foundation and the Omari Hardwick bluapple Poetry Network.
Auditions for this year’s program were held last week, the start of an experience that will help the selected young poets improve their skills through writing workshops.
Darius Daughtry, director and writing coach, said it’s not just about who wows them on stage but their personality and level of commitment. Diversity is also important in the selection, especially because they try to give different schools the opportunity to be represented.
“They all bring their own unique stories and energies,” said Daughtry. “It becomes an infectious atmosphere when we get them in the room and we start to really dig in during these workshops.”
The finalists will now be meeting for four workshops scheduled between November and December. Daughtry said it will demand a lot of exploration of thought and writing, as they are expected to perform up to four original poems.
Everything leads to the Word Up! Poetry Slam, where the young poets compete to make it to the top three. A process of elimination through three rounds of performances will result in cash awards of $250, $100, and $50 for first, second and third, respectively.
Ismael “Inscribed” Timane is one of the finalists this year from Piper High School. The audition was the first time the 18-year-old has ever performed on stage. He dabbled in poetry before but it wasn’t until recently that he earnestly pursued it.
“When I write on my paper and I get in touch with myself and see what I’m able to do, I feel amazing,” said Timane.
Freshman Amayah Morales, on the other hand, has previously put herself out there as her rap persona, The Queen Amayah. However, this was the 14-year-old’s first time auditioning for the competition, as it is only open to high school students.
Ramis Hashmi, a junior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, is another one of the finalists this year. For the 16-year-old, poetry is an outlet for his frustrations with society and politics.
“A lot of people see a Muslim and they think he’s a threat,” Hashmi said. “I think the only thing threatening about me should be my lyrics.”
The Word Up! Poetry Slam will take place at 7p.m. on Dec. 20 at the Sunrise Civic Center Theatre, located on 10610 West Oakland Park Boulevard. Admission is $5.
For more information, call 954-747-4646 or visit Sunrisefl.gov/tickets.html to reserve your seat. This year’s finalists: Amayah Morales, Piper High School Dametre Williams, Hollywood Hills High School Ismael Timane, Piper High School Jadon Polydore, Hollywood Hills High School Joseph Jean, Piper High School Laudz Fenelus, Hollywood Hills High School
Lucia Vieites, Charles W. Flanagan High School Madison Person, Western High School Nicholas Jentzsa, Hollywood Hills High School Nyah Hardmon, Cypress Bay High School Ramis Hashmi, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Sydnie Cohen, Cypress Bay High School