I won!!!

My Verbal Blend project won first place in the Online Feature Reporting category for Region 1.

Now I compete with the first place winners in that category from the 11 other regions for national honors.

Unreal. I'm so excited :D

http://www.spj.org/news.asp?REF=1102#1102

Award-winning journalist?!

Updates about Business Insider soon enough, but for now I have great news regarding my Verbal Blend project for NewsHouse.

About a month or so ago, I entered my project in the Society of Professional Journalist's Mark of Excellence Awards for the online feature reporting category. I'm proud to say that my project is a (Region 1) finalist!! I'm so excited!

Hopefully I get picked to advance to the national competition, but for now I am just thrilled that this project and Verbal Blend has been recognized!

Last words about Verbal Blend

I've always loved poetry. I've never been very good at it, but I've always loved it.

In 7th grade, my dad introduced me to a new show, called Def Poetry Jam, which aired on HBO. He even took me to a live taping once. I was drawn by the power with which the featured poets spoke, and amazed by their ability to communicate tough real-life issues and emotions in beautiful, eloquent ways.

Last fall I had difficulty choosing a topic for my final assignment (a 1,500 word story) in Magazine Writing. My professor had heard a few things about Cedric Bolton and suggested I investigate what his program was about. I attended my first two workshops the second Monday and Tuesday of November and knew instantly I had a story. The small group I met consisted of people who were intelligent, friendly, down-to-earth, ambitious, and extremely talented.

My product was this story (I got an A!)--which I've since slightly tweaked. (Note: It was never officially published, so I have used some of the quotes in other published stories. Also, I still can't seem to come up with the perfect final sentence!).

Verbal Blend by Noelia de la Cruz

I knew I wanted to keep in touch with the group, even after I finished the project. I attended the first workshop of the second semester, and continued to record/document their meetings, attend their events, and conduct interviews whenever I could. Simultaneously, I was taking my Web Journalism course, and I mentioned in a previous post that I would try to get them on the NewsHouse. My professor introduced our final project about a month before semester's end; our task was to produce a package taking all we learned throughout the semester using text, video, data visualization and interactive graphics components. It was the perfect opportunity.

The text, I knew I'd figure out somehow (I decided to focus on the nature of the workshops). The video and data viz components were the most difficult to conceive and create. Gathering inspiration from something I had seen in Esquire, I decided I wanted to make an audio visualization--that is, create a way for a person to see, literally, how the poem sounds as they're listening to it. Unfortunately, many of my visions (including something similar to this kinetic typography video) were impossible to create, considering a number of things, including my skill level and limited access to certain programs. Still, using After Effects, I was able to create something pretty sweet. It took a lot of trial and error and the help from some awesome people, but in the end I created an audio waveform of Christiona Hawkin's poem "Change." To make the waveform more interesting, I placed text over it (a la Photoshop), and included a video introduction of Ms. Hawkins herself (I ultimately produced everything with Final Cut Express). And while I originally intended to make a short video of the last workshop, I instead edited a clip of an interview I did with Tyler Rice about snapping (versus applauding) and included footage from the last workshop. I used Dipity to create a timeline of spoken word history, which includes information ranging from the late Gil Scott-Heron's influence to the spoken word event hosted by the White House two years ago. Technically, my project would have been complete with all of the above. But most of my peers were using a program called Vuvox to create multimedia slideshows, and I wanted to, too. Plus, I had so much material that would go to waste; I decided to use Vuvox to highlight Verbal Blend events I attended throughout the year. More text, more audio, more video.

Verbal Blend is such a small part of a large university and sometimes I wondered if my persistence to cover them was more of a personal, selfish investment than a service to others. But on further thought, I found it hard to believe that anyone who attends an open mic or a workshop, or spends even a few minutes with these guys, can leave feeling anything less but inspired.

See my project here: Verbal Blend unites words and performance.

Tight-ink boxes.

My emotions are untamed, vicious, constantly whirling.

They poke, they pull, they jab at my consciousness.

The only way to protect myself is to force them into a word.

Words are like jail cells.

When I confine my emotions, I release my thoughts from unrelenting torture.

Memories, feelings, they can't hurt me--not in their tight-ink boxes.

So, I study them. I learn from them.

They can't hurt me again.

- Brandon

On Sunday, I attended the last learning community workshop in Boland Hall for the purposes of filming it for my Newshouse project (which, btw, will probably be more of a disaster than success, but we'll see). Before the workshop, I interviewed a few of the poets, and because I probably won't be able to use all of it for my project, I'll probably edit a few of them and post on here. I was taken by surprise because I had planned to film the workshop a certain way, but because it was the last one, Michelle (the RA), decided to do something completely different. I think I'll be able to work it out, though.

During the second half of the workshop, Michelle gave the residents index cards and asked them to write what poetry meant to them. A few explained in list form, but others wrote poems. Brandon, whose last name I don't know, hardly ever comes to the workshops but he decided to stop by because it was the last one. By watching him I gathered he's not necessarily a shy person, but when he stood in front of the group, he became sort of bashful and said, "I don't usually write poetry, I just come to listen." When he finished, everyone was stunned. "That was incredible," Cedric Bolton said. A look of awe appeared on Michelle's face. I think Brandon himself didn't expect to receive the response he did. I don't think Brandon himself realized until that moment the talent of the words he spoke. Honestly, it was the best poem read that night.

The only way to protect myself is to force them into a word. They can't hurt me--not in their tight-ink boxes.

Tight-ink boxes. Isn't that wonderful??

I was so bummed because I couldn't make it to the only slam competition of the semester yesterday, but I was occupied with Medley proofs (we sent the magazine to print today! I'm so excited, it's our best issue to date). One of those things--when you want to do two things you love at the same time.

I'm really going to miss Verbal Blend.

We're too comfortable for change

We're too comfortable for change--picking a name from a ballot is more than enough,

and too much sometimes.

We sit back and watch as the world is controlled from a place too far

from the television screen,

put trust in the knowledge of others, devils in suits,

No questions.

- Amanda Fox-Rouch

Quick Verbal Blend-related post. Last night I attended the weekly Sunday workshops held in Boland Hall, where the poet's learning community resides. The workshops run much like the ones led by Cedric Bolton, except Bolton doesn't attend these and the discussions are facilitated by the students themselves. This week, Michelle, the floor's resident advisor (I've mentioned her in previous posts), led the workshop; she chose Hate Crimes as the night's theme because last week she learned about James Byrd's murder and "couldn't stop thinking about it." For an hour and a half, the 9 students who attended, along with Michelle and Jaris (Boland's residence director) discussed hate crimes and other topics such as fear and hate (and whether one leads to the other), about government, misunderstanding of culture, Westernization, America's influence, money, and how political motives influence government decisions. Like a seasoned professor, Michelle sat at the head of the group and encouraged her peers to express their thoughts and ideas. Some were quieter than others, but all had something to say. I took so many notes and recorded the whole thing, I wish I could say more about it. All I'll say for now is that it was so refreshing to see a young group of students actively, willingly, engaging in intelligent conversation and freely expressing their thoughts while teaching each other, too.

Another idea that stemmed from the conversation was American apathy. A revolution like the one that happened in Egypt could never happen here, Amanda noted; Americans are too comfortable. Above is her poem, written in the 10 minutes after the discussion ended.

I mentioned I would find another way to get Verbal Blend on the Newshouse. I decided to do my final project for Web Journalism about them. The project consists of a story, video, photos, and an interactive component to be published on the site. A little nervous. I have a lot of ideas, I just hope I'm able to execute them.

A bus transformed into a moving room

I know, I know. Well, to my defense, I've been writing/working tons, just not posting anything here. Busy as ever finalizing all the content for the student life section of the yearbook (have a lengthy post already prepared about my experience with the publication), writing/editing for Medley, and working for my Web Journalism & Innovation course, the content of which is published on The Newshouse (a post coming up soon about that as well!). I consider the three above the most important in my life at the moment, but I also have wine appreciation, art history, and Italian literature courses to consider, too.

In the meantime, thought I'd post excerpts and links to two articles I wrote about Verbal Blend for the Connective Corridor newsletter earlier in the year. I'm still following Verbal Blend, as much as I can, when I can. I'm currently writing an article about them for Medley's spring issue and covering their first open mic of the semester for The Newshouse.

OK, so:

On this particular night, a bus was transformed into a moving room: headphones came off, cells were stowed in pockets, and the riders-turned-audience-members directed their attention to the center of the bus where the poets stood. Not only were the poets praised with applause, new riders were greeted with equal enthusiasm. "Magical" was the word Farschman used to describe the evening. -- "Poetry in Motion" Turns Busses into Performance Venues

and

After basking in the glory that came with winning the banner competition at the annual LC Palooza opening weekend, learning community members became quick friends. The four sophomores on the floor serve as PALs, or "Poets Achieving Leadership," who help their mentees make the transition from high school to college. PALs also work with mentees to develop and improve their poetry.

"We have our own little network where we talk and vibe off of each other," says Christiona Hawkins, a PAL on the floor. Aside from participating in poetry sessions, the learning community poets attend Verbal Blend poetry workshops, which Bolton conducts twice a week for six weeks each semester. -- Poets Put Down Roots

Well, Syracuse University just granted its first full snow day in 18 years (and the second one ever). I'll post more soon, but for now I'm off to enjoy!

They can write about anything.

"Write everyday. Regaining momentum takes three times as much energy as sustaining momentum." - Daniel H. Pink (via @AdviceToWriters)

I'm going to try and make writing my priority this semester. Really, really, really. It makes me so sad when I can't. Or that last semester I couldn't as much as I wanted to. For now, I'll just post another excerpt from my final story (which got an A, btw! I picked it up from my professor a couple of days ago). I ran into Cedric Bolton today, actually, and he said he found my blog during break, which I didn't expect, lol. I guess all it takes, though, is a Google search of "Verbal Blend" and "college." I'll be following up with him soon to learn about their plans for this semester. Anyway, another excerpt. At this rate, I should just post my whole story, right?

Within the past year, Bolton and Verbal Blend members have traveled to local schools to conduct similar workshops and provide a forum for young students to express themselves. Bolton collaborates with Marcelle Haddix, an assistant professor in the School of Education with a Ph.D. in literacy, language, and learning. Haddix moved to Syracuse three years ago and immediately decided to commit her time to community work. “One of the things I noticed right away was that there was a need for writing,” she says. “Parents and community members were really concerned with writing achievement, particularly of African American youth.” In response, Haddix created the “Writing Our Lives” project, an annual writers’ conference open to middle school and high school students.

This year, students and Verbal Blend poets rose early one sunny Saturday morning in November to go to Hughes Elementary School, a magnet school in the Syracuse city school district. The second annual “Writing Our Lives” conference attracted more than 120 students in the sixth to 12^th grades. Workshops provided guidance in topics such as journalism, comics, and fiction writing. Older students registered for “Writing the College Essay.” Bolton led “Discovering your Voice,” with four Verbal Blend poets, including Hawkins. “I always had a passion for the public education system because I grew up in it, so I know that everything isn’t always as it should be,” she says.

Bolton prepares large sheets of white paper on the stage. Time to brainstorm. “What are the things you want to give voice to in your communities?” he asks the shy students who sit around the red octagonal tables of the cafetorium. He waits. He sighs. “It’s going to be a long morning,” he says, when the students hesitate to answer. Slowly, they gain confidence and begin to raise their hands. Vandalism, gangs, racism, violence, teenage pregnancy, hip hop, bullying, hatred, drugs, single parent homes, sports, love, multiculturalism. They can write about anything, even the kind of men and women they want to be in ten years. Professor, Grammy winner, architect, business owner, forensic scientist, surgeon, lawyer, mother, father, responsible, independent, strong, happy.

###

To put the excerpt in perspective, the city of Syracuse currently not only suffers from poverty, crime, and underdevelopment, but from, like many cities in the US, a poor education system! This recent study, A Call for Change: The Social and Educational Factors Contributing to the Outcomes of Black Males in Urban Schools, applies; many African-American families live in the city. Many children from those families (and children who represent other minority groups) attend Fowler High School, recently reported to have the worst graduation rate in New York State--an astounding 33 percent, according to the Post-Standard. Lately, local groups and initiatives have dedicated themselves to mentoring and tutoring students in the nearby neighborhoods--including a few from Syracuse University. Verbal Blend is one of those groups. And though they can't fix the system, small gestures such as the one described above prove meaningful and worthwhile.

Can y'all hear me?

The story itself needs a lot of work. I'm too ashamed to post what I handed in to my magazine professor (though it appears she liked it because I got an A- in the class?--still, I know it's not as good as it can be). But here's the lede; this still needs work too, thinking about changing the first sentence altogether:

Dim lights illuminate the 307 descending seats that lead to the center of the auditorium. Christiona Hawkins walks up to read her poem. The light shines brightest on her smooth coffee-colored complexion. But her eyes, instead of looking at the audience, focus for a moment on the Webcam resting on the orange plastic-covered podium set in front of her. “Can y’all hear me?” she yells. A few seconds later, an emphatic “Yes” emanates from the speakers, the voices of a group 1,000 miles away filling the room, their own stage at the University of Minnesota projected onto the large screen that hangs behind her. She begins to read, “A Warrior Out of Us,” from her phone. Her kind voice becomes firm, urgent, unwavering as she unravels a combination of metaphors expressing her observations of the African-American experience. The frustration overflows from her voice as she alludes to the false illusions of progress that plague the black community. Don’t be fooled, she says. I’ll let you think you’re flying high, but just like kites, I have strings attached to you. Snap, snap, snap. The audience appreciates her clever prose. We will really see what a disaster our people have become. An eruption of applause and snaps follow the last line. While Hawkins walks back to her seat, the host in Minneapolis says, “Someone in the audience has a special note for the young lady who was just on stage.” “Uh-oh, uh-oh!” shout men from the audience. But the message doesn’t come with the expected flirtation—just admiration: "You are an amazing poet," the person says.

Hawkins, a sophomore international relations and policy studies major, belongs to Verbal Blend, a spoken word program at SU.

###

"I'm pulling the dirt together"

Below is a moment I witnessed during my first two hours with Verbal Blend. It was so brief but telling.

Cedric Bolton brings two poems by Joy Harjo in honor of Native American Heritage Month to the last two Verbal Blend workshops of the semester. On the first day, only four poets showed up, two volunteered to read "The Creation Story," and "Equinox," aloud. Afterwards, they take turns sharing interpretations of the poems and decide that Harjo pulls inspiration from nature and the natural to form images of important themes and feelings in her life: creation, love, ancestry, war, guilt, fear. Bolton encourages the poets to use, if they need to, Harjo's words for inspiration during the routine 15 minutes of free write.

Katherine, one of Verbal Blend's newest members--the senior joined this fall, says little during the first hour but willingly stands to share her poem. For 45 seconds, she reads from her notebook, often stumbling over the words; she twice repeats two lines. The most noticeable part of her performance are her feet, which fidget from side to side, and her body, which on occasion seeks the nearest table for support. Despite her slight discomfort, the group loves the poem. Desperation has made me crave a murder of an innocent world that was self built inside my cage's walls. "I love that last line," Michelle says. "Can you read the whole thing one more time for me?" Ruthnie adds. Ruthnie, nicknamed Rae and affectionately called 'Rae Sunshine' by the group, often presents challenges to the poets. Tonight, "I challenge you to keep both feet flat on the floor. If you force both feet to stay flat on the floor then your body will use that energy." Katherine begins to laugh; her feet jitter in her acting class, too.

For the second attempt, the words flow fluidly--save for two times, when Katherine pauses as her body pulls the strength up from her anchored feet and through her diaphragm to force the words brick and crave out of her mouth, clear and unbroken. Not once does she stutter on a word, repeat a line, or move her feet. "Damn!," Bolton says after the last line. Rae, just as, if not more, impressed the second time, breathes out an awed "Gosh!" Snap, snap, snap all around the room. "How do you feel?" Rae asks.

"I feel mad," Catherine responds. "And I feel good that it's in here," she says, lifting her notebook with her right hand. She brings her left to her chest. "Not here."

My final story: Verbal Blend

Verbal Blend is a spoken-word/poetry program on campus and the subject of my final story for my MAG 406: Magazine Article Writing course. I absolutely love Verbal Blend. The poets teem with talent and I look forward to every interview, meeting, or event. I am continuously blown away by each person's devotion to the words, the careful ability in which they craft them to convey a message. When I'm in their presence, I'm always pleasantly surprised by the community and camaraderie that exists among them.

The story is supposed to be 1,700 words. But I could write so much more! I could write a profile on each member, I'm sure. I could write about the events that they host and have hosted. I could write about the first ever Verbal Blend learning community in Boland Hall that started this fall. I could write about the efforts Verbal Blend makes to improve the poor education system in Syracuse. I hoped to update this as I conducted each interview and attended each event this month, but, as has become the norm this semester, time slipped away. So, I'm starting now.

The above clip is of a Verbal Blend poet named Christiona performing her poem, "A Warrior Out of Us," at Verbal Blend's 'Ayo Technology' Skype Open Mic on Nov. 17. (More on that in another post). I think I'm leaning towards focusing on Verbal Blend's work off campus, educating and inspiring young students in the city of Syracuse. Christiona will probably be one of my main faces. She's a sophomore who is in the process of creating a literary magazine for high school students in the community.

"We want the high school students to think about pursuing any level of post-secondary education. We feel that publishing them in a college publication with other college writers and artists will boost their confidence in themselves and get them thinking about college in a positive aspect."

Verbal Blend is a special group, so I'm excited to post more about them in the near future.

Till next time.