The Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) is partnering with WU-SLam to host their first ever open mic night on Saturday, Feb. 23.

Sophomore Mia Hamernik, social justice chair for ALAS, feels that activism can happen in a multitude of different ways; art is just as valid a form of activism as a protest. There are a number of artists, such as poet Gloria Anzaldua, whose work is incredibly progressive, and the open mic night is an opportunity for Latinx students on campus to bring these kinds of pieces to the stage.

Nathalie Austin | Student Life

Washington University students work on poetry during WU-SLam’s weekly Inklings workshop in preperation for ALAS’ open mic night. The event will take place Saturday, Feb. 23.

Hamernik feels that “one form [activism] is manifested in is through art, specifically poetry,” which is where the idea for an open mic night was born. WU-SLam, being Washington University’s premier slam poetry group, was a natural choice to partner with for the event.

In preparation for the event, WU-SLam hosted a special session of Inklings, their weekly poetry workshop, to help students practice for ALAS’ open mic night. The first hour consisted of a writing workshop and the second hour was dedicated to performance practice.

Although WU-SLam has been a major help in gearing up for the open mic night, the showcase is not limited to just poetry. Participants can also choose to perform songs, dances, short stories and more.

Since the open mic night is being hosted by ALAS, it also functions as a way to boost visibility for Wash. U.’s Latinx students. Hamernik articulated that she “wanted to provide a space for primarily Latinx-identifying students to present their creations and their different forms of art, because often there aren’t spaces where that is allowed.”

Nathalie Austin | Student Life

Students brainstorm ideas for ALAS’ open mic night. The event will focus on highlighting Latinx student experiences.

Although the event is hosted by ALAS, the open mic night is open to everyone, because ALAS wants to make it accessible to as many students as possible; it is a communal and inclusive event. In the same vein, Latinx people face a number of struggles that are not limited to them specifically, so students who do not identify as Latinx will still have the ability to share art that resonates with others.

Hamernik explained that she is “so excited to just see what people will bring, because I am constantly inspired by my peers here,” and she’s also excited to be presenting an event which places an emphasis on the arts that are not often found on Wash. U.’s campus.

For a night of bold, innovative art and community, attend ALAS’ and WU-SLam’s open mic night Saturday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. in Mudd House’s multipurpose room.