Poetry Jam Kicks off Black History Month Celebration in the Library

Students Inovled in Poetry Jam - and some HC administration
Photo Credit: Cassandra Richardson

There was a big crowd of students, staff, teachers, and administrators in the library this morning to see "Poetry Jam," the first event of Hinsdale Central's celebration of Black History Month.  It was a great way to start the day!

Eleven student presenters did a great job reading poetry today: Nehe Basti, Greg Debrosse, Danielle Evans, Sophia Lekas, Robert Laws, Haneen Mahmoud, Jasmine Mitts, Carolina Papoli, Talia Sankari, London Taylor, and Treci Thomas. 

English teacher Michael Smith has worked with this group of students in selecting (and rehearsing) these great poems.  Michael also read his own poem, dedicated to his son Langston, and based on Langston Hughes' poem, "Mother to Son."  Not many eyes were dry after this poem.

This was a great beginning.   As Black History Month organizer, and HC staff member, Deborah Powell said in a recent email: "Let the celebration continue!"

(update:  Devils' Advocate made a video of Mr. Smith's poetry reading and did a quick interview of him here.)

Here are some of my snapshots from the event:

 

English Teacher Michael Smith