Multi-cultural club’s poetry slam more than just poetry Participants prepare for the poetry slam right before the big event. One of the dance groups, The Lock, are perfecting their foot-working routine after school. - Angela Arrivo Friday, March 12, 2010 By Angela Arrivo, Feature Editor Advertising “The Multi-cultural club has a vision: all are welcome and all are celebrated,” Multi-cultural club sponsor LaWanna Daniel said. The Multi-cultural club is designed to express one’s culture through different planned events.  With up to 50 members and growing, the club is discovering new ways to represent their cultures. Yesterday the club held a poetry slam in the South cafeteria.  The poetry slams usually consist of more than just poetry. Each member shows off talents, such as singing, dancing, or even a combination of both. The theme this year was named “Culture is mine.” “We themed the event ‘Culture is mine’ because the initials are C.I.M and in reverse that spells ‘mic’ like microphone,” Daniel said. This was the second annual poetry slam held by the Multi-cultural club, and a lot of new talent was applauded. “Compared to last year, the students are really getting into it,” Daniel said.  “They are editing their own music, dancing, rapping, and this year we have eight singers.” Dancing especially has shown to be a favorite among club members in the cultural event. OPK, one of the dance groups that performed at the poetry slam, created a pop-lock routine.  Dancing to Jay-Z and Lady Gaga, O.P.K, (Out of Place Kids) was ready to have some fun. “It was kind of like a natural talent,” O.P.K. member freshman Aaron Fullerton said.  “We found a nice beat and started dancing for fun.” Another dance group, The Lock, performed their foot-working skills at the poetry slam. It was formed by seven members, who have been working together for about a year. “We make up a routine from the basic moves,” senior Christian Williams said.  “Then we show each other the moves and steps and find a way to make each other better at foot-working.” Each group performs a different dance style, but despite their difference, they all still enjoy coming together for multi-cultural events. “I’ve been in [the multi-cultural club] since my freshman year,” Williams said.  “It’s always really cool to get to know everyone.” Not only does the multi-cultural club host a poetry slam filled with talent, but they plan other successful events during the school year. Throughout the winter months, The Multi-cultural club plans for an event called The Taste of Holiday Culture. “Everyone makes, brings, or donates food from all different types of cultures,” Daniel said.  “Last year the steppers and gospel choir came to perform during the event, and we had about 300 people come. It was amazing.” The club has hosted The Taste of Holiday Culture every winter for the last six years.  Much of the club’s planning during the year goes into raising money through bake sales and earnings from the poetry slam. Also, the club celebrated Black History month by sharing free pizza and a movie after school for anyone interested. Along with English teachers Ameera Odeh and Danielle Penn, the three sponsors are hoping to make Multi-cultural club a diverse place for students to get to know each other. Meetings are every other Wednesday in A20.  With a growing group of students, the club’s goal is to express culture.   “I want more students to join in the future,” Daniel said.  “I want more diversity.”

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