Northwestern’s Black Poetry Society hosted its third annual “Speak On It” event on Saturday evening, drawing poets from across the Chicago area to share their work. The event, held at McCormick Auditorium, focused on the theme of solidarity and celebrated Black expression and identity through the art of poetry.
The Black Poetry Society, which became an official student organization in 2023, was founded by communication junior Cydney Brown with the support of Weinberg Professor Barnor Hesse. The club aims to foster a love for poetry and provide a platform for students to express themselves.
“Tough times are happening in the U.S., and I think when we can all come together and have a space to share what’s on our minds, it’s a very sacred thing,” Brown said.
The evening featured performances that explored various themes, including love and toxicity, with each piece reflecting the complexities of the Black experience. Poets included both students and guests from Chicago’s literary community.
This year’s event featured three distinguished poets: Chicago artist and poet Kush Thompson, writer and educator Leslie Reese, and poet and educator Chasity Gunn. The night kicked off with a warm welcome from Noelle Robinson, a SESP junior and the Black Poetry Society’s Events Chair.
The event underscored the strength of the community and the growing support for Black poetry and emerging poets. Robinson noted that the Black Poetry Society has created a space where poets can connect, support each other, and form friendships that extend beyond the club.
Weinberg junior Elijah Elvin, who helped organize the event, also performed an original piece. He emphasized the importance of spaces like the Black Poetry Society, where diverse voices can express themselves through art, helping to keep Northwestern inclusive and welcoming.
“I think (‘Speak On It’) shows the essence of what poetry is, especially Black poetry,” Elvin said. “It feels good to be able to contribute to that as well and to hear it and have space for it.”
The event also featured an open mic segment, allowing students to share their original work. For some, it was their first time performing at “Speak On It,” including one student who shared a piece written by an incarcerated poet from the Northwestern Prison Education Program.
Looking ahead, the Black Poetry Society plans to host more events and expand its collaboration with artists in both Chicago and incarcerated communities.
“Black Poetry Society has become a space where people can feel comfortable walking in as themselves,” Robinson said. “Poetry is inherently vulnerable, and we are able to create a space where vulnerability is explored.”
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