Senior biology major Desire Reddick joined Voices Poetry Group at Florida A&M University because it was the safest place for her on campus as a creative student. The organization strongly adheres to the motto of speaking, vibing and uplifting.
Reddick said she noticed the club embody this motto from the moment she learned about Voices Poetry Group until this present day as a member.
For the 2023-2024 academic year, Reddick serves as the organization’s new member coordinator. This consists of ensuring the intake application is a smooth process. Reddick is committed to Voices because the group gatherings cultivate an environment for multi-faceted creatives to ensure their voices are heard.
“College challenges us in so many ways outside of academics, and to enjoy a community where people are consistently honest and vulnerable through their poetry is beautiful,” Reddick said.
According to Reddick, members thrive after joining the organization and learning how to confidently express themselves. She said the love and growth within the poetic community fosters leaders who excel within and outside of spoken word poetry.
“It’s nice seeing people step into their true selves with confidence,” Reddick said.
This is the exact intended goal of senior business and industry major Jada Haywood, who serves as the president of Voices Poetry Group. As the organization’s leader, Haywood facilitates open mics as well as annual shows such as Stroke My Mind, which takes place in the spring. The club also performs an induction ceremony in December.
“My favorite event is our annual Ode to Voices show, where we pay tribute to the Voices’ poems and poets that came before us,” Haywood said.
Haywood agrees with Reddick that the organization gives people a safe space to express their emotions in a room full of others who can relate to them. This open outlet is open and welcome to the entire student population.
“Voices impacts students because the community that we built is very welcoming for poets, but people who don’t write also like coming out to our shows as well,” Haywood said.
Alumna and previous Voices Poetry Group member Chelsea Holloman is glad the organization is still providing a home for those seeking creative expression. The 2021 graduate recalled that her days performing with Voices Poetry Group were among the highlights of her college years.
“It’s nice to see the club still up and running. I’m glad others can experience the events like I did,” Holloman said.
Although Holloman’s days of performing poetry on a stage are long behind her, she said she still enjoys watching younger creatives recite their verses.
“Whenever I can, I like to catch a Voices show if I’m in town,” Holloman said.
