Jai Infinity delivers his poem at the BSU poetry slam. 

On Wednesday, April 23, BSU hosted an electrifying poetry slam competition in the Colab, open to all students competing for a $100 first-place prize. The room buzzed with anticipation as performers battled nerves before an enthusiastic audience, who showed their appreciation through supportive “snaps” after each reading.

Distinguished Judges and Setting

The event featured an impressive judging panel including Glenn North, a renowned Kansas City poet laureate known for his Ekphrastic poetry workshops addressing social justice issues; Miguel Morales, JCCC assistant librarian, and poet laureate runner-up; and accomplished poets and JCCC professors Marianne Kunkel and Beth Gully.

Participants submitted deeply personal poems beforehand, exploring themes from intimate relationships to pressing social issues. Each piece offered a unique perspective and emotional journey.

Rachel, a JCCC fashion student, hosted the event with professional poise and contagious energy. Her calming presence helped ease the performers’ nerves while her engaging style brought a dynamic, live-show quality to the proceedings. The courage displayed by each poet as they faced the full audience was truly inspirational.

Award-Winning Performances

Macy Neely delivered her poem “Only a Dream” with such raw emotion that her feelings resonated throughout the audience. Neely captured third place with her powerful piece. In our post-event conversation, she revealed,

“It’s about my sister’s boyfriend and their relationship,” Neely said. “It brought me a lot of pain and anger, and I had to confront those feelings.”

Her anger was palpable in her delivery—her voice, gestures, and overall presence authentically communicating her emotional journey.

The second-place winner, Ella Bryan, moved several audience members to tears with her striking portrayal of women’s struggles in society. Her metaphors comparing women to dolls about beauty standards created powerful imagery that resonated deeply with the women present. Her poem connected both with contemporary issues and timeless emotional experiences.

“The idea was about the objectification of women and the way they are treated, comparing them to inanimate objects,” Bryan explained afterward.

Her measured delivery, expressive pauses, and thoughtful pacing made her words vividly accessible, validating the experiences of many women in attendance.

The Champion Poet

First-place winner Jy Infinity commanded the stage with undeniable style and presence. His authentic poem depicted individuals confronting personal challenges, connecting powerfully with students navigating their difficult journeys. His work felt raw and unfiltered, offering both a mirror and a beacon for those struggling.

Infinity’s delivery revealed deep personal investment in his words. Through passionate gestures and evocative expression, he created a space where audience members could envision themselves within his narrative and experience his emotional landscape. His illuminating words served as both validation and inspiration, reminding listeners they aren’t alone in their struggles.

When we spoke after the event, enthusiasm radiated from him.

“JCCC is my second college experience,” Infinity explained with a sparkle in his eye. “I originally attended a college in Missouri for three semesters but had a poor experience that led me to withdraw. I was going through many different emotions and struggled to cope, so I decided to write about it.”

His message resonated universally with college students facing uncertainty and mental challenges. The poem offered reassurance that difficulties can be overcome and that pursuing authentic paths matters. His beautifully presented, powerful message captivated everyone’s attention and earned him first place.

A Community of Courage

Every presenter demonstrated remarkable courage and wholehearted commitment. The event concluded with each judge sharing lighthearted, optimistic poems of their own.

When winners were announced, the poets celebrated one another’s accomplishments while friends and family captured the moment with photographs. Each participant deserved recognition for their vulnerability and artistry.

The poetry slam was not just a competition, but a celebration of expression. For anyone wrestling with emotions—whether joy, sadness, anger, or anything in between—channel those feelings through writing. You might discover an unexpected talent and perhaps find yourself inspired to share your poem at the next BSU poetry slam.