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Bartram Ballad Bash a Poetry Smash
bartram ballad bash

The inaugural Bartram Ballad Bash, held February 26 on the front steps of the Betsy Lovett Arts Center, was an incredible showcase of community poetry.

Students and faculty read their own works or selections by well-known artists and  famous Black writers and poets, including Maya Angelou and Claude McKay. Dean of Students Mindy Kelly emceed the event, which was held during Activities period on a beautiful sunny morning.

Featured poets and their readings included:

  • Eva Lantzy ’25, “Dear 2020”, a personal piece
  • Chi Vo ’27, “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou
  • Ty Neal ’25, “If We Must Die” by Claude McKay
  • Eva Petr ’25, untitled, a personal piece
  • Cyrus Vaghefi ’26, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” by Langston Hughes
  • Jaden Taher ’25,“Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou
  • Esha Kasavaraju ’26,  “We, Be Together”, a personal piece
  • Teacher Jackie Willingham, “The Poetry of Mathematics”, unknown author
  • Middle School Head Jonathan Keen, “What do you make?”
  • Teacher Gabi Fudge, “Have You Earned Your Tomorrow” by Edgar Guest

View a recording of the event here: