The Chicago Project

Spoken Word Poet

We received a late-night visit from Tyla Abercrumbie, actress, author, and spoken word performer.  She performed spoken word poetry in the living room of our small apartment.    Spoken word is a form of music or artistic performance in which lyrics, poetry, or stories are spoken rather than sung.  She performed a piece entitled, “Me and the Devil Walking Side by Side” and another called “Unconditional Love.” 

“Thanks for coming over, it was really cool.  I can’t wait to start making spoken word about my experiences and life and my political views.”  

Andrew Choate 2006 Participant

“I think that everyone, at one point, writes journals and you inspired me to take my ‘poetry’ more serous.  You are awesome!”

Jessica Shields 2006 Participant

“All the soul and energy you put into your work really inspired me to put everything I have into what I do.”

Lauren McIntosh 2006 Participant

“You inspired me to start journaling again!.”

Andrew Quirk 2006 Participant 

Poetry Slam

Late Saturday night we escaped to the Spoken Word Café on the Southside for a poetry slam.  A poetry slam, for the uninitiated, is an open mic forum whereby anyone may go up and perform a “piece” for the group. 

There was a small group of about thirty people in the café when we walked in.  Being a group of nineteen, it unfortunately changed the dynamics of the environment.  Some of us felt awkward walking in and making such a distinct presence.   Many people were welcoming.  However, a few people did make comments that made us feel unwelcome.  A couple people in the café said, loud enough for the students to hear, “how long does it take four white girls to go to the restroom?” and, “They be comin’ up in here like they own the place!”  This experience helped many of us to understand how it feels to be the minority and walk into a room and wonder what people are thinking about us.

In spite of a few people being unreceptive to our presence, FIVE students walked forward and performed their own spoken word poetry.  The pieces ranged in topic from a poem about relationships, to a piece about a students’ experience on the trip, to an open letter to the President from a student who disagrees with the policies of our elected leader.

Greater open Door Church and Pastor Nelson

Sunday morning, we attended Greater Open Door Community Baptist Church, Reverend Nelson Pastor, head pastor.   As we entered the sanctuary, we were greeted by the inspiring music of the choir.  Most people in the group were thinking that we were going to be in church for no more than an hour, like their churches back home.  To their surprise, church lasted for almost three hours! 

 The message was one like we had heard the night before at the poetry slam.  Pastor Nelson’s eldest son, himself a pastor, was preaching this morning and spoke about how church will evolve and change over the next fifty years.  He presented us listeners with a historical overview of music and lyrics ranging from jazz to blues to rock and roll to rap to hip hop.  He spoke of a new kind of church member and church emerging, one focused less on buildings and more on building community.  It reflected well on the tone and theme of The Chicago Project.