Snapping fingers replaced applause for students reading poetry Wednesday at Valparaiso University. The poetry slam was a collaboration between the Black Student Organization (BSO) and the Latin X in Valparaiso for Excellence (L.I.V.E.), as one of the events to celebrate Black History Month. Junior J ayde Harris read “America” by Claude McKay. “I chose this because it resonated with me with the political state of America right now,” said McKay, whose hometown is East Chicago. “There are so many movements going on within our community and I thought this poem fit the time.” Lily Velazquez, a freshman from the Crown Point/St. John area, read “I Love Music” by an unknown author. “I am a musician, I play the saxophone, and I have a strong relationship with music,” said Velazquez. “It is a way to express myself and be in tune with myself.” The BSO at Valparaiso University, established in 1967, is an award-winning student group dedicated to unity and cultural awareness of African-American heritage. Every February, the BSO offers a public calendar of events, and this year included a soul food brunch, a guess the song game, and a screening of the movie “Sinners”. Rebecca Ortiz, a junior education major from Crown Point, recites a poem at a Poetry Slam held Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at Valparaiso University as part of events celebrating Black History Month. (Deena Butterfield/for the Post-Tribune) L.I.V.E. celebrates Hispanic and Latin X heritage by hosting events for the campus and the community. Some of their campus events this year will include a gala and a tote bag painting night. Angel Johnson, a senior from Chicago, was glad that the two organizations collaborated to host the poetry slam. “We don’t get a chance to do events together very often,” said Johnson, who plans to work with a youth violence prevention organization after graduation. BSO President Tyrell Frieson chose to read Corinthians 13 from the Bible. “I like to carry this verse with me to spread love.” “A poetry slam is an art form that gives people a creative space to connect with each other,” said Frieson. “Poetry is indirect and subtle and can be more of a powerful connection with people.” Jayde Harris, a junior biology major from East Chicago, recites a poem at thePoetry Slam Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at Valparaiso University, one of many events held in February as part of Black History Month. (Deena Butterfield/for the Post-Tribune) For more information on the two organizations and their events, visit https://www.valpo.edu/student-life/multicultural-programs/organizations/live/ or https://www.valpo.edu/student-life/multicultural-programs/organizations/bso/. Deena Butterfield is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. ...read more read less