KP: Kean Poets

As DJ Nix in the Mix played old school hits, students of Kean University were enjoying a unique form of entertainment. On Wednesday, November 4 2009, Campus Life Activities for Student Success hosted the Def Poetry Jam in the University Center Little Theater. The event was filled with fun and entertainment for all of the students to enjoy. Victor Anderson, freshman communication studies major stated "It has that cool, calm, collected vibe."As the crowd gathered ready to hear poetry, the host Big Mike came out and recited the first poem. To get the night started Big Mike began with a light and funny poem about his weight that states "being fat is where it's at". The host bought energy to the stage by frequently mentioning the New York Yankees and every time he did the audience went wild.

As the poetry jam continued, Big Mike would always bring the funny atmosphere back on stage with his numerous jokes on the poets and people in the crowd. The students at Kean were surprised when Susana Ritch, a Kean professor, recited a poem. The surprise quickly moved into shock as professor Ritch recited a poem that could be viewed as a bit sexual and funny called "Making out in a car". Poets from Kean University also bought a number of love poems to turn up the romantic side of things. Jamaal Daray with the poem "At first Glance" and Charles White with his poem titled "Alice" expressed their sensitive side with love poetry. Leo Rojas, freshman speech pathology major, also delivered a love poem that drove the crowd wild and had everyone on their feet for the first standing ovation of the night. Rojas was excited as he stated "I was inspired by my fellow Kean students and I wanted to represent well and efficiently."

As the night continued, the Kean student body showed they can do more then recite poetry as Gregory Lopez, sophomore communications major, grabbed the mic. Lopez rapped about his style and it earned himself a standing ovation while host Big Mike called him a "gangster rapper". After his performance Gregory mentions "I felt confident, motivated, and determined." Another student named Antoine Pekins, freshman biology major, recited a touching poem that was entitled "Cycle of Life". Pekins states in his poem "are we not who we accuse" leading the audience to think about life.

Although the Def Poetry Jam was an event that allowed students to express themselves, it was not just limited to students. The Poetry Jam also featured special guests from HBO def poetry artists including Gemineye, Ian Khadan, Flowmentalz, Omar "Ion" Holman and the host Big Mike. These excellent artists bought loads of positive energy that the aspiring Kean poets can look up to. They presented students with funny poems about school talking about "you need a ruler, pencil? I got that". Flomentalz connected with the crowd in a special way because he is a New Jersey native and recited a poem titled "Christopher Cook".

Campus Life Activities for Student Success had a big turn out and put together a great event. The Def Poetry Jam showcased students and professional HBO poets that provided an amazing show for the Kean University student body.