Voices of resistance

Photo C/O Hamilton Youth Poets

The Hamilton Youth Poets are taking inspiration from the anniversary of No or Ohi Day, a Greek event commemorating the Greek resistance during the Nazi occupation of World War II. On Oct. 28, HYP will be holding a poetry slam focused on resistance, dissent and saying no. 

Their featured artist, Nisha Patel, will hold a free workshop prior to the event for anyone wishing to learn more about creating or polishing a slam poetry piece. Amongst other accolades, Patel is the current Poet Laureate for the City of Edmonton, as well as the 2019 Canadian Individual Slam Champion and the Executive Director of the Edmonton Poetry Festival.

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The word no is especially significant to Patel. 

“The word is so powerful, especially as a woman. The concept of refusal and resistance is incredibly powerful. I think as women we’re taught early on that we’re not allowed to use that word, and I think reclaiming it as a woman in my late 20s has dictated a lot of my last few years,” said Patel.

For those who aren’t familiar with slam poetry, Patel will also be running a free workshop on poems of resistance starting at 5 p.m. on Oct. 28. The workshop is open to anyone with an interest in poetry and is intended to foster interest in the written art.

“Spoken word, to me, is an art form that has almost no barriers to entry. You don’t need to have books published, you don’t need to have gone to school for it — which I didn’t. Most slams in town also have options for people of all ages. It’s not a thing where you have to be in a team, you can just show up for an open mic and recite a poem that you’ve written and that makes you a spoken word poet,” said Patel.

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The October HYP Slam ft. Nisha Patel will be held at the Spice Factory (121 Hughson St. North) at 6:30 p.m. this Monday, Oct. 28. Signups for the event will begin at 6:15 p.m. and all are invited to participate. If you’re looking for a spooky event to add to your list, HYP will also be holding a Halloween Story Slam on Oct. 31.

“I think a lot of individuals who take up spoken word poetry do so because they have felt marginalized, or they have felt oppressed or they have felt forces working against them, and they are now using the platform to advocate not only for themselves, but for the liberation of other people. Spoken word and liberation and resistance all go hand in hand,” said Patel.

With the current political climate, it can be difficult to know how to make a difference. Slam poetry is an excellent way to make sure your voice is heard. Hamilton Youth Poets is creating a platform for Hamiltonians to lend a voice against issues that concern them. Speak up and speak out.

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