LBCC’s english department hosted a poetry open night mic.

LBCC’s English Department held an open mic night organized by the English Majors and Minors Club, where students shared a range of personal literary works, from emotional poems and stories to more lighthearted pieces.

EMMC President Maddox Harris explained why open mic nights can provide an important space for artists to connect.

“The vulnerability involved in sharing your own fiction to a group fosters a more genuine community,” Harris said. “Even though not as many people are interested in literature, I think it’s a space for anyone because it’s a space for passion and a space for creativity.”

Club Secretary Georgia Topper discussed what events like the open mic night could mean for the club moving forward.

“We are always looking for suggestions for activities to do in our meetings. This year we are trying to open SAGA up to all. We really want to reach out to the community, people of all ages and people who are not students. One of our main values is diversity. We want new voices, we want new ideas, we want to see different kinds of written work,” Topper said.

^{English Majors and Minors Club adviser Jason Casem, left, and club president Maddox Harris, right, assist student Tiffany Johnson, center, as she steps down from the podium during open mic night at LBCC on Oct. 9. The event featured poetry and other forms of creative expression. (David Lozano)}

SAGA is a literary journal produced by the English Department and EMMC and accepts submissions through its website.

LBCC student Micah Harris was among the readers. His work addressed police violence, personal trauma and systemic issues affecting people of color in the U.S.

“It makes me feel empowered,” Harris said.

Harris said he was also motivated by a desire to share his work with others.

The performers came from a variety of backgrounds. Carlos Ornelas, a single father, received applause from the audience after both of his readings.

“I’m inspired by all writers,” Ornelas said.

Ornelas cited writers such as Gertrude Stein as influences and said his interest in punk music can also be seen in the anti-establishment themes of his work. He said the English Department has played an important role in developing his writing.

Another reader, Tiffany Johnson, shared her short work of fiction, “The Adventures of Coco.”

Johnson, who is blind, read the story in braille. The work follows the daily activities of a fictional Labrador named Coco at a fictionalized Black Student Success Center.

Johnson, an English major in her fourth semester, said she is working on a book featuring the same character.

“I’m trying to find a publisher,” Johnson said.

She brought a completed manuscript of the book with her to the reading.

Jason Casem, adviser for the English Majors and Minors Club, discussed the club’s accomplishments and the benefits of joining.

“The English Majors and Minors Club has been awarded most active club and best club multiple times,” Casem said.

Casem said the club encourages a deeper interest in literature and that many former members have gone on to attend Ivy League schools.

Before the open mic began, Casem also promoted the club’s field trips and events, along with SAGA, which accepts literary submissions from students and community members.