Students will be able to experience more of the slam poetry they have been exposed to this semester at Wishing Well “Speak Up” slam poetry event at 8 p.m. on Thursday in the lobby of Edwards Hall.
Sarah Fatheree, marketing director for Wishing Well on the ACU campus, said slam poetry is about personal expression.
“I think it is all about people standing up an saying what they are passionate about and with that passion comes rhythm and movement,” said Fatheree, junior advertising and public relations marketing major from Wethersfield, Conn.
Fatheree said nine ACU faculty and students are scheduled to perform. Faculty performers include Dr. Steven Moore, assistant professor of English, and Dr. Al Haley, associate professor of English and writer in residence. Students performing include Matt Preston, whose stage name is M.A. Double, and Sheridan Forte.
Sheridan, a senior English major from Dallas, will perform his signature slam poetry. Preston, sophomore ministry major from Abilene, will present a poem in addition to his normal hip-hop musical performance. Preston also performed at a concert for Wishing Well last spring and is involved with the organization apart from performances.
“The event will make sure that the clean water crisis is seen and understood by more people,” Preston said. “Poetry and hip-hop style are good for sparking inspiration and I hope to do that for Wishing Well. ”
Fatheree said the purpose behind “Speak Up” is to continue to promote Wishing Well and what it stands for. Wishing Well wants to encourage students use their gifts and talents to help in any way they can.
“No matter what your talents or passions are, they can be used to bring clean water to people and bring glory to God,” Fatheree said.
Preston agreed the cause of the show is to encourage others to take part in using talents to help others.
“This is opening opportunities for people to help out with their own gifts,” Preston said. “Whether that’s poetry, music, art, you can lend a hand and help out with not only this situation, but other situations too.”
Admission to “Speak Up” is free and merchandise will be sold in support of the Wishing Well cause. For more information about Wishing Well, visit www.wishforwater.com
