Two University of Memphis students are the top finalists for the Drop The Mic poetry slam Saturday at the Rumba Room.
Kemmie Douglas and Rachel Hicks sent in videos of their most compelling poetry and were selected by executives at the National Civil Rights Museum. They will be voicing their talent at the Rumba Room from 4 to 8 p.m.
"I am so excited that I am a finalist," Douglas, a senior psychology major, said. "Writing has always been my passion, and now I have the opportunity to come out of my comfort zone and share my talent center stage."
The Drop The Mic poetry slam is hosted by the National Civil Rights Museum and it is an opportunity for youth and young adults to be able to articulate their views on freedom. The theme for the poetry slam event is "My Freedom Is."
Finalists will have to explain what freedom is in their minds while being as poetic as possible. While performing, they will also express their meaning of freedom in the past, present and what it means to their generation today.
The event is also one of several events that will celebrate the museum's grand re-opening after being closed for 14 months for renovation of the Lorraine Motel.
Lauren Evans, NCRM executive, aided in selecting the finalists for the final show. Finalists will also perform in front of celebrity judges including neo-African abstract expressionist painter Danny Simmons, rapper Drumma Boy and Memphis poet Aisha Raison.
"We chose the Drop The Mic poetry slam for the reopening of the museum because, historically, poetry appeals to an older crowd as well as a younger crowd," Evans said. "We also wanted to see what freedom meant to the generation today."
The finalists had to meet certain criteria in order to be chosen for the poetry slam. Evans said that the poets had to have pleasant writing and audience engagement while bringing the poetry to life.
During the event, not only will the finalists get to voice their opinion on freedom, others will also show off their poetic talents. There will be special performances by Memphis poet Ekundayo Bandole, national recording artist Tonya Dyson, Phatmak and Artistik Approach.
"I feel special that I am able to be a part of this great experience while also having the opportunity to indulge in a night of excitement with fellow poets," Douglas said.
For more information, students can visit www.poetryslam.civilrightsmuseum.org or R.S.V.P for the event by contacting Lauren Evans at 901-278-0881.
