Spoken words were filled with energy, emotion and rage Saturday night at the Black Poets Society event “Bum Rush the Stage” in the packed Erickson Hall Kiva.
The poets blended a slew of topics including civil rights, history and relationships.
MSU history Professor Richard Thomas was one of the older generation of performers and has worked with many well-known poets, including Langston Hughes.
Thomas read his poems about riots, police brutality and urban rebellion he had witnessed during the ’60s.
Ed Garnes, programming director for Black Poets Society and host of the program, learned Thomas had been published in many poetry anthologies while in one of his classes.
“We have a living legend right here on campus and no one knows about it,” Garnes said.
The soulful rhythm of Bonnie Harvey, one of only two female artists performing, brought something different to the atmosphere than the spoken word. Her strong singing added to the power of her poetry.
“My whole thing is ‘do you,’ do your own thing and be yourself,” she said.
She has been writing since she was 7 and performing for almost four years with shows throughout Atlanta and the surrounding area.
“I would really like to see more women on the mic,” Harvey said.
Other poets at the event include Abyss from HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam,” Cocktails from MTV’s “Road Rules,” John Goode, who was featured in Michael Jordan’s “Urban Survival Guide,” Spinxx, Amir Sulaiman and Cola Rum.
“I liked all the poets,” education sophomore Shantia Lewis said. “I thought it was a really great program in general.”
The crowd that came to see critically acclaimed poets and vocalists exceeded expectations, as more chairs had to be brought in halfway through the program.
“I’m really feeling Abyss,” said Christen Johnson, a University of Michigan student. “We drove all the way from U of M to try to support the arts, poetic expression and lyricism.”
Garnes has been planning the program since July and knows each of the poets personally. He said he has also worked professionally with many of them.
“‘Bum Rush the Stage’ came about because of the artists’ relationships with not only art but with each other to bring the community together,” Garnes said. “Students at MSU need to see poets on campus showing students art in this creative way.”
