Voices heard at Euphrat Open Mic Night

Four white walls in the Euphrat Museum, no pictures or paintings. In the room was a Statue of Liberty crying. Only voices to articulate art in motion. On the first Thursday of October, Open Mic Night in the Euphrat Museum brought unity among many students. Surfacing voices of reason from tears and sadness to cheers and smiles.

It has become a safe haven for anyone to describe their feelings without judgement, hate, and expectations from others around. It has granted those who participate encouragement and confidence as the audience members cheer for those overcoming fear, sadness, or deep emotions.

Open Mic Night was an opportunity for students to gather around and express four or more verbal forms of art. Thus the club, 4 Elements hosted this event in collaboration with Euphrat Museum.

4-Elements has been an active club on De Anza’s campus for about 11 years! The Open Mic Night event has been apart of campus for nine years!

“I am a poet and spoken word artist since 1993,” said OTI Programs Coordinator and 4 Elements Club Advisor/ Coordinator, McTate Stroman. “As I conducted my journey through college, I always brought my passion and art with me.” 4-Elements encompasses, “four styles of Hip-hop; rapping, b-boying, graffiti art and DJing.”

McTate hopes to encourage other students to share their passion as well. Even though there are several elements in hip-hop, Open Mic Night allows and encourages all forms of verbal art and expressions.

For many students, stepping on a stage and presenting in front of an entire audience may be as frightening as death.

“Before you even step on stage you feel super nervous. You think about all of the bad things that can happen…but as soon as you start talking, your worries go away,” said Randy Tau, 19, business major.

In addition, Tau states why this event is important on De Anza’s campus. “When we write a piece, that has been built up for months or years in my life. Those few minutes on stage makes me feel like, I’ve overcame in all.” This event is a great outlet to many of those who are facing challenges in their lives.

Jarvis Lewis, 23, Sociology Major, explains his artistic expression, rap, during Open Mic Night. Jarvis has been attending Open Mic Night for two years. Jarvis says, “I have a little brother back home in Atlanta. My father wanted me to set an example for him.” Rapping is Jarvis’s passion and he describes how it become “a checkpoint for my little brother. When he is old enough to understand- what I am going through now.” Moreover, it is a way for Jarvis to communicate to his brother in the future. He hopes when his brother is his age, it will help him learn.

A love for art and a desire to feel great has brought many people to Open Mic Night. Open Mic Night is on the first Thursday of every month for those who are interested in attending.