In a society centered around social justice and gender equality, Generation Z has become more involved in speaking out for all to hear. Whether it is through speeches or literary works, students all across the nation are joining the movement for social change. They serve as an inspiration for their elders, and most importantly, are proving that they are ready to step up to the plate.

On Apr. 29, talented and inspired teenagers in the local area were challenged to speak heartfelt truths and bring awareness to social justice. The inaugural Arcadia Poetry Slam Competition was born. Designed to encourage the empowerment of youth, students brought attention to some extensive issues: poverty, hunger, and homelessness. Hosted by the Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation and the community service agency Foothill Unity Center, participants were empowered to raise their voices through poetry.

As a first-time event, the Poetry Slam had exciting and successful results. Over 20 poets participated in the competition, each bringing a unique work and performance for all to enjoy. In the efforts to achieve a degree of professionalism, judges from the L.A. Poets Society were invited to judge the participants on a professional scale, critiquing on content, stage performance, voice, and diction. Students were also incentivized with prizes for the top winners. All students performed exceedingly well, with the highest acknowledgements given to the top three winners: first place, junior Bridgette Yang; second place, junior Eden Treiman; and third place, sophomore Hailey Cheng. Their honest opinions on justice and equality were reflected in their exceptional works, which will be featured on the L.A. Poets Society website under the “New Poet” section.

Whitney LaBarge, assistant general manager of the PAC, was very inspired by the event’s popularity and hopes for even greater participation and publicity in the following years. She is “hoping that each year, [they’ll] have more and more schools involved,” and even wishes to one day see it grow into an all-day competition.

In celebration of the successful event, a book with all participants’ poems will be published to recognize their amazing works. Congratulations to the Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation on holding such a successful event; we cannot wait to see what next year will hold! And of course, congratulations to all participants on your bold and outstanding performances, and thank you for proving to the community that the future is in good hands.

Photo courtesy of ARCADIA PERFORMING ARTS FOUNDATION