As each performer presented poems at the Kent State NAACP’s Def Poetry Slam Monday evening, students filling the Kiva were loud and enthusiastic with support.

Shihan and J. Ivy, two poets from the HBO TV show “Def Poetry,” performed, along with other poets. Trupoetry, a local poet, hosted the event.

The poems performed touched on subjects such as minority empowerment, love and the power of words and religion.

Shirby Ferguson, freshman Pan-African studies major, said she loves hearing poetry.

“It’s very artistic. People have a way with words, and it’s beautiful what you can do with a few words,” she said.

Ferguson said she loves the arts and thinks they’re very important.

“They’re not celebrated enough,” she said.

Robin Wright, Kent State NAACP president, said the organization believes people can learn through poetry.

“You learn through words,” Wright said. “We just want to showcase that by bringing conscious poets who can, through their poetry, talk about issues that are relevant and make students think and broaden their horizons.”

Belinda Berry, junior sociology major, said she doesn’t go to many activities on campus.

However, she said this piqued her interest and Kent State should have more events like this one.

“I like to write, so I love the experience and see anybody else who’s passionate,” Berry said.

Daniel Cannon, sophomore integrated language arts education major, said he wanted to go to the event because he finds poetry inspiring.

“I love going to poetry events on campus,” Cannon said. “This is kind of a different experience from normal readings.”

Contact Ryan Collins at [email protected].