USU

Poetry Slam Team Secures Spot To Compete At Nationals

February 9, 2012

Northridge– The CSUN Poetry Slam Team placed first at the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) Region 15 Poetry Slam on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). The team of five students – Cyrus Sepahbodi, Danyial Motiwala, Madison DiNapoli, Marvin Jordan, and Shanada Davis – defeated California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) and Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) for the title, and will compete in the National College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational (CUPSI) at the University of La Verne, Calif. in April.

“We practiced for months, at least once or twice a week leading up to the competition,” said Samantha Liu, Coordinator, Information Services and Special Projects, Satellite Student Union (SSU), and Poetry Slam Team advisor. “The team always kept in mind what the legendary Slam Poet, Allan Wolf, once said: ‘The points is not the point, the point is poetry.’ It’s about getting the message to our audience, and our team’s passion shows.” The CSUN Poetry Slam Team will have all registration fees to enter CUPSI waived.

The team made an impact on judges with their creative and unpopular topics. “As a judge I look for content and stage presence equally.  I also look for that unique poem, something that makes me have a true emotional response,” said Keya Allen-Littleton, ACUI Region 15 Director. “I’m sure the CSUN Poetry Slam Team will make an excellent showing at CUPSI. My excitement is increased since Region 15 will host CUPSI on the west coast for the first time since 2004.”

The CSUN Poetry Slam Team will perform its award-winning pieces at the next Espressions open-mic in the University Student Union (USU) Games Room on Wednesday, Feb. 15. At 8 p.m. For more information on the CUPSI, visit www.acui.org/poetryslam. For more information on the CSUN Poetry Slam Team, contact Samantha Liu at .