Center for Literary Arts Hosts Poetry Slam

On the evening of  Wednesday, March 8, Frostburg State University Center for Literary Arts (CLA) hosted a Feminist Poetry Slam at Dante’s Bar in celebration of International Women’s Day. CLA describes feminist poetry as, “the expression of gender and marginalized experiences through language.”

Contestants read their original slam poems throughout three rounds, impressing the audience with their individual performances. Through raw, vulnerable, and inspirational feminist poetry, Kat Wharton took fourth place, Amanda McPherson took third, Victoria Costa took second, and Amanda Sirleaf took first.

“Writing is such a flexible art with so many outlets,” mentioned Sirleaf.

McPherson remarked, “International Women’s Day is important for me because it’s a way to battle the erasure of the importance of women in history. Celebrating the strength and perseverance of women who have constantly fought in a system designed to oppress them strengthens the solidarity of sisterhood.”

“I want people to know that there is no wrong way to tell your story. Poetry is often a cathartic experience for people who have suffered trauma; telling your story however you see fit is valid and should be celebrated. People often minimize experiences by saying others have it worse, but this is not the pain Olympics; your hurt is valid and you should be able to express that freely, but don’t forget that you are more than those experiences,” said McPherson.

Check out the Frostburg State University Center for Literary Arts Facebook page for upcoming events.