Fourth Annual Poetry Slam, ‘The Anthem,’ Comes to Cal Poly on June 4

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Cal Poly’s fourth annual poetry slam, “The Anthem – Words Will Change the World,” will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. June 4 at Chumash Auditorium on campus.

The event seeks to inspire those in attendance to use the power of their voice and their words to make a difference.

Sponsored by the Cal Poly English Department and the College of Liberal Arts, “The Anthem” is a “slam” style competition involving six poets who will generate knowledge about the uniqueness of individuals and the cultures from which they come. They perform for two to four minutes on issues such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, identity, class, life, and love while being judged by four audience members chosen at random on the day of the event. As the poets vocalize these topics, audience members can gain a sense of respect for themselves and others, in turn building a sense of community throughout the Cal Poly campus.

Steve Connell, winner of the California Independent Book Critics' Award in 2004, will be the master of ceremonies. Joining him on stage will be Anis Mojgani, who competed in 2008, and Sonya Renee, whom was the master of ceremonies in 2007. First-time participants include Bay Area poet Prentice Powell, Los Angeles poets Sekou (the Misfit), and Kat Magill (Simply Kat).

This event is free and open to the public. For additional details about the event, contact Josue Urrutia at 805-704-4039 or jurrutia@calpoly.edu For more on the Cal Poly English Department, call 805-756-2596 or log on to http://www.cla.calpoly.edu/engl.

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