A SLAMMING PERFORMANCE

If you didn’t already know, a National Champion Slam Poet, S.C. Says (aka Andre Bradford), paid MHCC a visit at the Student Union on Wednesday.

Pizza, drinks and other snacks were provided for those who attended the midday performance and discussion and anyone else who happened to be passing through. 

If you were fortunate enough to drop by, even if it wasn’t for very long, you were definitely in for a treat. I was able to enjoy the whole performance and can say it was an amazing experience!

Bradford, who is based in Austin, Texas, not only captivated his audience with beautiful slam poetry but his stories and words took my breath away. It’s not every day you get to sit down and listen to someone who paints a picture with his voice and the words he chooses. He took on some tough-to-swallow topics, giving us a little insight on his opinion on racism and shining a bit of light on how he sees and feels about it, using comparisons to sneezing to make it not only easier to understand/stomach but also to show us how it can be viewed by those around us.

He gave the audience a look at the word “empathy” and how it can change not just someone else, but also how it can impact you by just showing empathy to others – how it can actually make you feel better because, just like you, someone else has either gone through it (such trouble) or is going through it, even now.

Bradford told a bit about himself and the things he’s faced and seen in his life. Though not all of it was positive, you could really see how the positive and negative events have shaped him into the person he is today. And, although he said he still wants to pursue acting, he knows his words as a poet are helping those around him. 

In my opinion, that is a beautiful thing, in itself.

Throughout the performance, Bradford held the audience’s attention and the vibe that settled around the room was curious, insightful and relaxed. He included us in his visit by giving us examples we could relate to. By the time the event ended, he gave everyone the option to present a poem of their own (which I rather nervously but excitedly participated in) and gave us all a chance to ask him any questions we had, whether related to writing, his work, traveling or his personal experiences.

The poet happily gave everyone an answer that I’m sure left everyone with a feeling of sated curiosity. Talking with him afterward, I found him to be super sweet and nice, and also very upbeat and energetic. He just made me smile a bright grin, just being in his presence.

If you want to learn more about Bradford, visit: scsayspoetry.com