Student Poetry

Host LaVondra Ray introducing Professor Martin

Not long ago, I attended a poetry slam hour on campus, the result of Professor Bruce Martin's efforts to provide spaces for students to speak freely, be creative, and engage with one another.  It was something to see groups of students come together to share their work or admire the work of others.

Young poets shared pieces on their experiences, on gender and culture, and so much more.  Students in many schools, here in Houston and everywhere, are required to write about specific topics - whether for class subjects such as History, English, and Psychology, among others - but there is something remarkable about students sharing their original work that was not part of a requirement.  Student voices matter, in any form.

We have so many students on campus at a given time, but a majority of them are headed directly to class and then home, or to work, or to their first job before going to their second job.  It is not often that students are able, or willing, to commit their time to something like a poetry hour, but with student, staff, and faculty efforts, we hope that changes.