The Berkeley Slam ft. Darius Parker

THE LONGEST RUNNING POETRY SLAM ON THE WEST COAST!

Bringing you some of the best poetry from across the world every week since 1998, and third in the nation at the 2015 National Poetry Slam! 3rd place at Bigfoot 2023 and 2nd place at Bigfoot 2024 in Portland, OR.

don't forget to check us out before the show for the writing workshop, led by one of our crew members.

Doors open @ 7:00PM

Workshop Hosted in Person and Online @ 7:00PM

Poetry Slam SIGN UP LIST Goes out @ 7:00PM

SHOW STARTS AT 8PM!!!

📝Workshop starts at 7:00PM on Zoom ID: TBA

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Artist Bio:

Darius Rashad Parker Is a Queer Black Scholar, Activist, Poet, and Performer born and raised in Chicago, IL. Darius is a graduate of Northern Illinois University where he received his Bachelor's in Journalism and a minor in Black Studies. Darius’ teaching, research, performance, and activism has grown out of his commitment to social justice, focusing on arts, culture, race and gender inequities in education, and performance art. He is particularly concerned with the relationship of educational practices, and the politics of Queer & racial identities and the intersections between community and academia. His previous role included contributing to an educational model that will build transformative schools, where students, parents and their communities play a key role in public education. He is active in multiple coalitions of educators, artists, activists, and community organizations Darius demonstrates a commitment to centering the whole person in a way that involves both children, family, individuals and community partners at the core. Globally, Darius contributes frequently to forums of parents and teachers, as well as locally facilitates opportunities for youth and their families to engage with Social Justice work through arts and culture. Darius collaborates with an array of national collectives and organizations enabling him to produce large scale culturally relevant programming. His work in arts and culture has contributed to local dialogues on topics of educational injustices, and Hip Hop Ed praxi. As of late Darius has led multiple workshops and Think Tanks on Anti-Racist Education and on how educators can show up at their best for students. Darius hopes to empower youth through the arts and to make any experience involving youth, art, and poetry one infused with love, liberation, and truth. Darius received his Master’s Degree in Critical Ethnic Studies from DePaul University in the Spring of 2020. Where he currently serves as an adjunct Professor in the Peace, Justice and Conflict Studies Department. Darius is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and serves as the National President of Delta Phi Delta Dance Fraternity Inc. Darius currently serves as the Director of Creative Youth Development and Arts In Education (CYDAIÉ) at the Mighty Youth Speaks.

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