Spent last night at the 2006 Annual Youth Speaks Friendraiser in San Francisco. I feel verbally inadequate trying to describe the power and poignancy of the poetry these kids spit, as well as the admiration I have for an organization that works so passionately to encourage intelligent and positive expression.
Last night, I heard a plethora of very young poets and emcees eloquently and rhythmically tackling the most difficult themes of our day with insight, humor, irony, and always a touch of style.
Though they were all very moving, Rafael Casal's piece about tossing out the existing Bill of Rights and replacing it with seven proposed amendments of his own earned the most raucous standing ovation. No rookie to this scene, he has filmed some spots on Russell Simmons' Def Poetry Jam, so keep your eyes peeled for this guy.
In the meantime, check out the Youth Speaks calendar of events for their next inspiring exhibition. While at the site, be sure to drop a couple bucks on this wonderful group. These can use the help, and in turn, we can all certainly use more of the words these kids are speaking.
One of the guys at my high school was a national Youth Speaks champ and blew us all away each time he took the mic. Incredible stuff.
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