As DJ McTate Stroman sets up his equipment, students slowly shuffle into the Euphrat Museum of Art many already knowing each other, others taking the opportunity to explore the surrounding art , before settling into their seats.
This is First Thursday, a monthly open mic event held at De Anza’s art gallery, centered around art, poetry and hip-hop.
Diana Argabrite, director of Euphrat, said this open mic is an opportunity to invite more students into the space.
“Having a place where people can come together to share artistic expression and stories is one of the most important things on the planet earth,” Agrabite said. “Otherwise what is this? It is just an empty room.”
The current art exhibit at Euphrat is “Invoking History,” featuring various works of art that center around cultural diversity.
“(First Thursdays) compliments the exhibits that delve into social political historical issues such as our current one,” Fatima Artan, 19, psychology major and intern at Euphrat said, “It’s a nice touch to the Euphrat’s overall mission of devoting exhibits to history and social issues.”
The overlap between history, art and social justice was highlighted by Stroman, who hosts and emcees every open mic at the Euphrat. This event, in particular, focused on the history of hip-hop.
“I come from the hip-hop generation. Many of us in the early ’90s branched off into poetry,” Stroman said before starting one of his “signature” poems.
As the night progressed, Stroman interwove bits of history and personal anecdotes between student performances.
Members of 4 Elements, De Anza’s hip-hop club that collaborates with the Euphrat on First Thursdays, attended the event and several performed.
Before introducing the first performer, Stroman explained that the name “4 Elements” comes from the four fundamental elements of hip-hop: emceeing, DJing, breaking and graffitti, though additional elements are often recognized.
Astrid Ahuelie, 21, biology major, is Vice President of 4 elements, and her element is language. She kicked off the performances with “Winter Wonderland,” setting the mood of relaxation and de-stressing.
Ahuelie said she is a frequent attendant of First Thursdays, and that it’s an opportunity for her to practice singing in front of people
“I love music, I love singing and I want to share that with everyone,” Ahuelie said.
While other performers chose to sing, Mizuki Koyama, business and marketing major and 4 Elements’ outreach officer, performed an original poem titled “Between Two Tongues,” which reflected on her personal heritage and identity.
Between each performer, Stroman engaged with the audience, cracking jokes, and encouraging students to come onstage, already familiar with many of them by name.
“Because we do (First Thursdays) consecutively, it gives you the opportunity to not feel pressured to do it tonight,” Stroman said. “I want you guys to feel warm, comfortable enough to share.”
The next First Thursday is Feb. 6, 2026, at the Euphrat.
