Howard High Slays at First Poetry Slam Competition
by Radaesia Williams
Alia Johnson and Radaesia Williams were the first place winners of Howard’s first-ever poetry slam with the poems “Just A Black Girl” and “Silence of a Woman.” Alia competed against two other seniors, and Radaesia competed against four other underclassmen performers for the first place cash prize and a chance at the district level competition.
Slam Poetry is a type of poetry that combines the many elements of performance and audience participation with spoken-word poetry events. Energy and emphasis are most important in slams, which makes this type of performance art exciting.
Here at Howard, Matthew Partain was in charge of coaching students through the process with practices, check-ins, and meetings. He said poetry supports “underrepresented groups” in society and that the slam is a great way for different groups to be heard and also recognized.
“At first I was a little nervous because it is a little interesting to come and guide that in our first year at Howard High School,” Partain said, but he felt a sense of relief because he is working with talented students.
He coached students to “breathe and make sure your message comes across with emphasis.” This sentiment echoes information in the rubric.
Ten students competed Thursday — 5 underclassmen and 5 seniors. The underclassmen competed against each other, and seniors did the same.
First-place winners will receive $100; second-place winners will receive $50, and third-place winners will receive $25.
The senior winner moves on to the district level to compete. This is extremely beneficial to senior winners because there is up to $15,000 of scholarship money available.
Competitor Alyssa Banks said she was excited about being able to express her “individuality,” which Partain helped her achieve.
Banks’s poem was about being a black woman in America, and she said that although it is out of her comfort zone, it’s something she wants to share her opinion on. She wished anyone else who was competing good luck. “I’m proud of you all.”
