Flow for Change: Don’t Talk about it, BE About It
Poets are always up on a platform talking about the world’s problems. These poets are helping put money where their mouth is.
I found out about Flow for Change through Facebook. Random clicking and looking at tagged pictures of people I don’t know led me to a flyer for the event. Presented by Party Rebel and Over the Edge on May 19th at NYC’s Drom, the Flow for Change Launch Party kicked off a monthly spoken word series of acclaimed artists spewing poetry in an effort to “break ground and change minds”.
Flow for Change is a spoken word series to benefit the Voices of New York Speak! Youth Media Arts Conference and Benefit on June 27th, 2009 at the 92Y Tribeca. The one day conference will gather educators, while alerting parents, creative professionals and experts to the growing potential of media in the classroom and the community.
Among the performers for the first event were Oveous Maximus, Kesed, Black Ice of HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, Coach Queen Godis and Student Joshua Bennett both of HBO’s current poetry show Brave New Voices. In my opinion Joshua Bennett did exceptionally well! Even though he was one of the younger poets taking the stage, he stood out to me the most. He performed a number of pieces including a love poem asking his love interest to disregard his lack of swagger and consider ditching her loser boyfriend, and my personal favorite – a note to rapper Lil’ Wayne.
If the launch of Flow for Change is any indication of what future poetry showcases will be like I’m eager to attend the next one. With a $15 cover charge it’s cheaper than a club or concert, and I can sleep easy knowing my money is supporting a cause.
Visit Voices of New York Speak! Conference website for more information on the conference including the full length PSA and how to purchase tickets.
