The first invitational poetry slam drew an appreciative audience to the uptown campus on Nov. 13, sponsored by Tulane University Campus Programming's Lagniappe program. Invented in Chicago in the mid-1980s, slam poetry is a competition where poets read or recite their work. Members of the audience then judge the performances.
"Slam poetry is in your face about thoughts and ideals" says Merlyn Ashford, TUCP's Lagniappe chair. Visit a slam poetry
event in this video produced by Ryan Rivet.
In attendance was one of the heavy-hitters of slam poetry, New Orleans native Chuck Perkins, who performed some of his poems alone and with a band. TUCP's Lagniappe Chair Merlyn Ashford organized the event, which drew both Tulane students and members of the New Orleans community to the Freeman Auditorium stage.
Tulane Sophomore Austin Winslow was given top honors and walked away with prizes and, more importantly, bragging rights.