A Latinx Poetry Night was held for students to come together to enjoy guest performances and highlight poetry at LAC on Thursday.
The event gave people the chance to listen to three poets and hear poems from recently published author Donato Martinez’s book, “Touch the sky.” Attendees were also allowed to ask questions if they had any at the end of the night.
Students are encouraged to go to events like these on campus, whether they enjoy poetry or not, to hear the encouraging words from the powerful poets.
“The big thing is feeling seen, heard and loved and their identity being validated,” director of student equity Eric Becerra said. “Relating to these events that are happening on campus, and bringing all of what they are from many different aspects because that’s what makes them special, those are their strengths.”
The consensus from the poets there was that poetry can be done by anyone, it’s known to be another sense of therapy, reflection and vulnerability.
“I think when people read poetry, there’s this solid message in these poems that are saying something to you and it’s another way of expression, very therapeutic, but also shows a sense of vulnerability that we don’t see in other kinds of art,” says author Donato Martinez.
It can be a way to express someone’s culture, trauma, and identity to either go through some things in their own comfortability or just telling your story.
“I think that with poems it doesn’t have to have a structure, you should just write about your feelings and what you want to do because it’s about you to release about what you’re feeling, which you don’t have to necessarily perform it to anybody” said poet David Alvarado.
Poetry can be helpful in things and can turn into something more creative and encouraging for the writer according to these poets.
“I say write, especially when there’s a lot of pressure on you, whether it’s in school or outside of school, it’s just a way to get your feelings out and there’s no right or wrong,” said poet and Cal State LA alumni Cecilia Sanchez.
Becerra believes students that involve themselves in campus activities can benefit them academically.
“If students are connected to their campus, rather than coming to class and leaving, they tend to stay in school longer and end up doing better because of what they took out of the experience,” said Becerra.
More events like poetry night will continue to happen throughout this semester.