University of Iowa students are getting the chance to express themselves on stage doing slam poetry, a competition where students recite their own work.
The annual event, called Fire and Ice, is hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha.
“Self expression is always important,” judge Simone Bakes-Macky said. “It’s a platform for you to tell people who you are … your voice and what you’re thinking. I think that’s a major part of the world in general – people sharing their ideas and beliefs.”
Poets spend weeks and months preparing for the day they will showcase their work for audiences.
“I’ve spent way too many hours watching poets,” UI junior Caleb Rainey said. “And figuring out what you love, what touches you, and what connects with your experiences.”
Contestants are judged by a panel scoring them on their theme, mood, and poetic fluency.
To conclude, there is an overall winner and crowd favorite.
Freshman winner Marquise Jackson said he is more comfortable on stage reading his poetry.
“I really think it’s a different feeling, reading something and then hearing it,” he said. “I feel like there is so much emotion with spoken word.”
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