Emcee Jasmine Fouts sauntered up to the podium amidst a crowded room of intellectual conversation riddled with swear words. She is both the inspiration and organizer of “Rise Up,” a spoken word open mic that took place in the Gallery of Founder’s Hall Wednesday, Oct. 10.The air of the event was one of camaraderie and support. Many of the young artists knew each other and happily exaggerated their applause to show support. Many also sympathized with Fouts’ art-inspired- by-necessity. “I’m doing this for my internship for the African-American cultural society,” she said. “Ahhs” echoed through the room as many identified with the stress of organizing projects for school.

While the types of spoken word varied from monologues to poetic frustrations over homework, it was clear that the creative voices of Guilford often stem from the same tree. Poets cried to the peaks and val leys of human experience and railed against oppression in all its forms.

In keeping with the theme of “rising up,” many cried against the Western capitalist system. Gigi Burkhalter’s rail was a saucy rap detracted from only by the charming quirk of using the podium as a makeshift hobbyhorse.

The evening had an unexpected supplement, as the International Center’s “Munich Evening” was taking place downstairs in Boren Lounge. One poet, Simon Kress said, “[Your first exhibition] is never quite how you imagine it” as the tuba-laden German Oompah band warmed up, unwittingly providing the beat for the poem. Many of the modest poets insised that the audience “bear with them,” underplaying whatever talents they may have had. However, their modesty did not prevent there being a good showing, and the poems and prose lasted a solid hour and a half.

For all those as yet undiscovered poets of the Guilford community, Fouts assured “ this was definitely a success. I wanted to create a non-intimidating space for people to share their art. There’s sure to be more events like this.” The next is tentatively planned for the end of November.