MSU students shine at SRO Slam!

Throughout history, coffee shops have been the center of many major events, like the forming of the Beatles at the Casbah. Peter Altenberg, a famous Austrian writer and poet, frequented the Cafe Central in Vienna so often it became his official mailing address. On March 27, the Standing Room Only (SRO) coffee shop took a (small) place in this pantheon by highlighting the creativity of MSU students.

The Office of Student Engagement and ASMSU put on the SRO Slam Coffee Talk in conjunction with MSU’s Diversity Symposium, which emphasized “ideas, research, experiences and everything in between” from a variety of voices. The Diversity Symposium is now entering its second year, but the SRO Slam is the first of its kind in MSU history.

The slam was organized as an open-mic night that allowed students to share their own original poetry, music and art. Sign-up sheets at the event kept it open to anyone who wanted to participate. Attendees were provided with snacks and beverages, and SRO remained open for those in search of a little pick-me-up. Students sipped  their coffees and nibbled on popcorn while they listened to their peers show off their skills.

Lady Brion, the Diversity Symposium keynote speaker, kicked off the night with a trio of poems. The spoken-word artist from Baltimore spoke poignantly on love songs, her mother’s diabetes and the prison-industrial complex. Her impressive style included short snatches of song and free verse that echoed beat poetry. While her act was hard to follow, MSU’s students shone throughout the night.

Kira Hopkins composed and sung an original song while accompanying herself on the guitar. Code Yellow, MSU’s own rap sensation, cut loose with his performance, which involved singing on top of tables with plenty of incredibly loud audience participation for his hit “Douche Flute.” A sweeter moment came with nervous guitarist Gage’s cover of Jack Johnson’s “Better Together,” which prompted the audience to wave lighters and cell phone flashlights. Other students recited poetry, played their instruments, and sang.

The SRO Slam and Diversity Symposium are evidence of MSU’s emphasis on variety in its programming. The event gave students a safe space to discuss issues of identity from race to sexuality to navigating relationships. The slam was both a launchpad for creative students to pursue their dreams and a representation of MSU minorities that allowed them to take a turn in the spotlight. All in all, the evening was a beautiful blend of laughter, tears and honest vulnerability through art.