An open mic night will be held in Rocky’s Attic in the Student Union Thursday, April 2, from 7 to 9 p.m. to start a campus wide recognition of National Poetry Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
“Poetry in the Attic” will feature students, faculty and Toledo community members readings geared toward women empowerment, activism and sexual assault awareness.
“I just want to generate awareness, and I feel like this event will promote harmony between men and women because they can see how sexual assault and domestic violence can affect someone’s life,” said Lanette Dukett, event organizer and UT student intern in the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies.
Non-monetary donations will be accepted at the event for the YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter. Items suggested include blankets, kid’s toys, baby accessories, non-perishables, clothing and hygiene products.
“This event is also about gathering students together to show the YWCA that UT is a community that cares about our Toledo community,” Dukett said.
“To me, the poetry event is a way to share each other’s feelings and thoughts on domestic violence and at the same time raise donations to help those who are suffering right now,” Dukett said. “That’s a big part of what our college is doing as far as teaching people in humanity courses. This is what we should be doing, being more humane to people who are less fortunate than we are.”
The UT Feminist Alliance will provide refreshments and snacks during the event.
The open mic night is sponsored by the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies, the UT Sexual Assault Education and Prevention Program, the UT Feminist Alliance and the Division of Student Affairs.
To participate or for more information, contact Dukett at 419.261.3349 or lanette.ducket@rockets.utoledo.edu.
