On Apr. 18, members of Alpha Nu Zeta (ANZ), LGBTA, and FMLA combined forces to create the first annual Stony Brook University Poetry Slam. This free event was held in the University Caf’eacute; from 7:30 PM through an astonishing 11:30 PM.
The event was a happy conclusion to the Day of Silence, rallied by the members of the LGBTA and other supporters alike. Founded in 1996, the Day of Silence has become the largest single student-led action towards creating safer schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Free expression, without the fear of being in an unsecured location, created the template on which the whole Poetry Slam based its success. Poets and artists were encouraged to speak up about anything on their mind. Topics included sex, gender identity, sexuality, government, environment, relationships, stereotypes, racism, and anything else going on in our world.
Approximately 60 to 70 students and faculty showed up for the Poetry Slam with hopes of expressing their support and sharing their comments with the audience. With such creative minds, including Melissa McCarthy, ANZ new membership coordinator, Chris Tanaka, LGBTA co-president, and Jeanie Romaro, FMLA secretary, it is no wonder that this event was such a huge success.
Hosted by yours truly, the entire Poetry Slam ran smoother than anyone could have anticipated. With a few minor technical glitches here and there, the poetry and lyrics flowed like wine from the chalice of Dionysus onto fluttering ears defended by the sound of truth and justice (okay, so I was inspired by them). Nonetheless, the mixture of free verse poetry, rants, and acoustic guitar jamming melded quite harmoniously.
Melissa McCarthy stated, ‘I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank the following artists for participating in our event and for having the courage to stand up in front of complete strangers and perform their pieces. Lauren Tamraz, Alicia Falletti, Roberto Fontanaz, Ilyssa Fuchs, James Falletti, Mario DiBello, Carrie Cotton, Devin, Samantha, Gina, and Joanna. Thank you and I cannot wait to hear what you bring to Stony Brook next year.’
The participating organizations also attempted to raise money for the GMHC AIDS Walk, which is being held in
