The KU Poetry Club is a creative writing group composed of individuals who are interested in music, spoken word and art. During the semester they hold six general body meetings where each member is encouraged to explore different styles of writing, techniques and prompts.
The president Tierra Hooker, a junior studying biology and preoccupational therapy with a psychology minor, explained the goal is to strengthen both their writing skills and deliverance and also to deepen their thought process.
"Members volunteer to share what they have written and once the activity is complete we open the floor for members to share recently written pieces. As we close, we reiterate upcoming events, including, but not limited to non-Kean open mics." said Hooker.
The KU Poetry Club wants students to enjoy the opportunity of an open mic night at The Bars for Blessings event on Nov. 20 from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission for the event is donation based in order to raise money for winter care packages for the homeless in New York City.
"The Bars for Blessings event generally entails student performances including spoken word, various musicians and instrumentalist. The event was an idea formulated by our E-board as a way to give back and serve our mission: Utilizing Our Voices One Day At A Time. As The Poetry Club at Kean University, it is our way to show that we not only enjoy creative writing, but are also passionate about relating it to our every day lives and goals."
The E-board consists of President Tierra Hooker; Vice President Chidinma Opara, a senior studying psychology; Public Relations Diana Lazo, a senior studying communication studies with a psychology minor; Treasurer Cesar Saldana, a senior studying education; and Secretary Genesis Moran, a junior studying psychiatric rehabilitation whose goal is to provide events and activities for their members and outside guests as well.
"Over the summer, Vice President Chidinma Opara and I visited Care for the Homeless of NYC (located on East Street in NYC). The non-profit organization has progressed since 1985 to provide health care and social services to New York City's homeless population at over 30 service sites, shelters and outreach programs," Hooker explained.
Inside the packages, there will be items such as hats, gloves, Vaseline, scarfs and other winter care items. The Poetry Club is delivering the packages to the main Care for the Homeless branch where their contact representative plans to disperse them to shelters around the four boroughs.
Hooker wants the students and guests to know that the event will be a positive, talent filled environment committed to socializing and making a difference.
