Kean’s Nancy Thompson Learning Commons to Host First-Ever Slam Poetry Night

By Nefertiti Nzameyo | Published December 7, 2023

This year’s first-ever Slam Poetry Night event hosted by The Nancy Thompson Learning Commons invites Kean students to “immerse [themselves] in the power of words and emotions” at Cougars Den on Dec. 7th.

A look into the history of events organized by the Learning Commons on Cougar Link reveals its persistent aim to strengthen students’ skills with recurring resume workshops, webinars, community yoga, and more. 

Sherelle McQueen, a graduate assistant for learning support services and supplemental instruction, said, “In our writing services, we have a lot of students that write very well, so an individual downstairs that works in learning support services mentioned ‘let’s do a poetry night’ and I was like ok!”

McQueen was responsible for creating the flyers and scouting graduate and undergraduate students interested in sharing their poetic talent with the university community. She also has visibility of the form that participants are required to complete.

The theme, All In, opens the floor to presenting meaningful topics. Kean Quest Journal, a peer-reviewed journal where students can submit and publish their scholarly research and articles, will also publish the works with the presenter’s permission.

“My boss came up with the theme.She said she wants the students to share what they are all in for. The students have told us that they’re going to share something they’re really passionate about,” said McQueen.

Schantal Herrera, a second-year graduate assistant majoring in school counseling who also works for the department, planned the logistics of the events.

“I am super excited to hear and be part of people’s shared experiences. I admire the theme of this event because students will have the opportunity to share a positive experience in their life and celebrate their accomplishments altogether as a community,” Herrera said. “This event will bring out positivity and resilience.”

Slam poetry is a unique form of self-expression that marries the physicality of storytelling and poetry. The performers weave the audience through an experience or topic they resonate with profoundly and incorporate a range of gestures, tone, facial expressions, and literary techniques to communicate their messages and feelings.

The event coordinators recognized the vitality of sensory experiences to slam poetry and a successful turnout, which influenced their venue choice.

“I was thinking about Cougars Den or Little Theatre. We wanted a stage, and then I was like, you want somewhere where you’re able to sitdown, maybe round tables, eat, I know we’re going to have food and drinks there, so I was like, let’s go with Cougars Den,” said McQueen.

Submissions for those interested in performing remain open until Thursday, Nov. 30th, and are encouraged.

As the event date approaches, Herrera advises the performers, “Have fun! Remind yourself that you are in a safe space. This moment is about you! We are here for you.”

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