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Heartfelt Expression

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 19, 2008

Updated: 01/17/2008 05:12 pm

SULPHUR SPRINGS - Sorrow from a Louisiana native over Katrina's strike on New Orleans.

Frustration from a U.S. Navy yeoman about the distortion of peace.

Epiphany from a love-struck, self-conscious 20-year-old, acknowledging his lack of courage.

Appreciation from a poet for the love of a true companion.

Black on Black Rhyme Tampa opens the Harbor Club's stage to a host of emotions. All real and heartfelt, said Sherrida Hunter, who came to this week's regular open mic night.

About 50 gathered to hear the amateur poets on life, love and politics. Hand gestures and delivery seemed almost as important as the words, with each poet giving a glimpse into intimate thoughts.

Hunter said the atmosphere nurtures aspiring poets.

"It's a good place to let go and get it off your chest. It's such a release," said Hunter, a surgical technician from Temple Terrace. "I write in private, but I feel comfortable sharing here because nobody will laugh at you."

She's not comfortable enough yet, though, to sign up for next week's poetry slam. The $1,000 prize has participants taking the competition seriously.

"Slam can be traumatic if you've never been in one," said organizer and Black on Black founder Roosevelt Macon, who goes by the acronym L.I.F.E., which stands for Living It For Everyone.

The slam begins Tuesday and culminates at the annual Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival Poetry Slam finals Friday at the Harbor Club. L.I.F.E. expects about 50 competitors and almost 400 spectators.

The slam will feature professionals Taalam Acey and Sunni Patterson. Judges are chosen at random, and participants are scored Olympic-style. The top 10 move on to another round Wednesday, with the top five competing Friday.

In 2001, L.I.F.E. started Black on Black Rhyme with two friends and took over full time in 2006. Since the fall, he has been hosting at the Harbor Club, 915 E. Grant Ave., just off Nebraska Avenue. The Seminole Heights father of three said his goal is to bring poetry to the Tampa Bay area though special events, school presentations and mentoring.

The weekly open mic on Tuesdays includes a monthly slam on the first Tuesday of the month and helps groom poets for competition.

"Every Wednesday, I get e-mails telling me how much the show changed their lives," L.I.F.E. said. "I think this art form is quite sacred. It can save lives. If not, certainly change them."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival Poetry Slam Finals
WHEN: 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and 8 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Harbor Club, 915 E. Grant Ave.

COST: $20 in advance and $25 at the door; $50 for VIP, including dinner and gift bags

CONTACT: (813) 810-3582 or www.blackonblackrhyme.com

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 835-2114 or jpilarczyk@tampatrib.com.

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