Jalen Campbell
Page 15 held its fifth annual Pop-Up Poetry event at The Monroe in Parramore where young poets displayed their talents for the community of Orlando on Thursday, March 12.
Page 15, established in 2008, is an organization focused on “transforming young lives through the power of words” according to a bookmark that was handed out at the event.
Poems and short stories by AICE students ranging from fourth to seventh grade were read aloud in front of an interested crowd on the patio of The Monroe, which was filled with over 50 people.
Jayme Roldan, seventh grader from Orlando, performed his poem called “Struggle to Breathe”. Queen Denson, sixth grader from Orlando, performed her short story called “One Night Spirit”. Carly Osneidye Nazeus, fourth grader from Orlando, performed her short story called “Things Fall”.
Its vibrant aesthetic fit the creative theme of the event . All ages ranging from young children to senior citizens of Parramore gathered. Finger foods like sliders and cut up crepes were available for guests to lunch on. The low dim lights from the canopy over the patio contrasted the Florida sun.
Special guest Laurerate Camara Gaither, Orlando’s Poet, gave some words before performing her opening poem.
“When we give our young people a chance to explore what they feel, or even approach themselves through metaphor or through writing or repetition, we’re giving them a gift of knowet.ing how to engage their mental health for life,” said Gaither.
Channel 6 News anchor Ginger Gadsen, talked to the young writers about how she overcame being bullied for her height and stutter at a young age through reading and writing.
“You are in charge of writing your own stories. And the thing I love about this age group right now in front of me is that your story is being written every single day,” said Gadsen.
Handouts and a small book were set out on each table. One of the handouts gave guests an opportunity to write out phrases describing the look, smell, taste, and feel of the community. These handouts were collected and given to special guest poet, Marquise Lee, who used all the phrases from the handout to create a “community poem” that was performed by him toward the end of the event.
The small books on the tables, “I’m Trying To Tell You” is a collection of stories and poems by young Parramore authors. The poem and short stories performed at the event could be found in the book.
Jordan Bell, Page 15 writer, performed an interactive-styled poem to end the event. Shan Rose, District 5 Commissioner, and Vicki-Elaine Felder, District 5 Orange County Public Schools school Board member, were also in attendance for the event.
“Giving the children an opportunity and an outlet to be able to let go of whatever’s going on, and be able to be writers and authors of the future is a really great thing,” said Rose on stage.
For more information about Page 15 and their Pop-Up Poetry events, click here.
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