Slam Poet Promotes Empathy in MLK Presentation

Slam Poet Promotes Empathy in MLK Presentation

Elaine Loft, Staff Writer

Andre Bradford, whose mission is to “create more empathetic and resilient communities and cultures using powerful poetry, relevant data, and captivating story,” presented to the Derryfield community on Tuesday, January 21. Bradford’s presentation was funded by the E. Charles Sanborn Visiting Fellows Fund.

Head of School Andy Chappell opened the program with some words about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“A preacher, Nobel Peace Prize winner, civil rights activist, father, and husband, Dr. King focused his message on principles of justice, nonviolence, and equality, and he was eager to improve the lives of all people, especially those who experienced racism and bigotry as well as divisiveness and prejudice. 

Dr. King is well-known for his eloquent, persuasive, and passionate speeches, but he also understood that it would take more than words to improve lives; he knew that real change could only take place through action, including civil disobedience as well as changing laws and institutions. In this way, Dr. King was a man of character.”

Chappell then reminded the audience that “character” is the elevated Core Value this year at Derryfield. “We actively cultivate respect, integrity, compassion, and perseverance in our community members.”

Next, the Derryfield Chamber singers, led by Choral Director Candace Gatzoulis,  performed an a capella version of MLK by U2.

Chappell then offered an introduction to Bradford and his work.

“Andre Bradford, whose stage name is S.C. Says, is an Austin-based slam poet. S.C. Says has toured and presented at numerous universities, schools, and conferences across the country, and his work has been featured in numerous publications and on various mediums. He is a two-time Austin Poetry Slam Champion, a three-time Texas Grand Slam Finalist, and was a member of the 2015 National Championship Team.”

At the onset of his hour-long presentation, S.C. Says drew in his audience by sharing very personal details about himself, noting “That is how human connection happens–when we share our stories.” He then encouraged everyone to snap their fingers or offer verbal affirmation if his words of poetry or his narrative echoed their own experiences in some way.

The program centered on the concept of “building with purposeful empathy.” S.C. Says explained, “Empathy is the most powerful tool we have to change the world around us. Empathy feels good. Empathy helps you heal. Empathy de-escalates conflict.” His poetry, which addresses the issue of resilience within family, self-love, mental health, and social justice ranges in tone from comedic to inspiring. 

S.C. Says concluded his presentation by exhorting his audience to “lead with genuine empathy” and make an effort to connect with others by “seeking their story, sharing your story, and celebrating your differences.”

The poet spent the entirety of the day at Derryfield, attending classes, helping to judge the Poetry Out Loud competition, and leading a lunch-time forum with nearly thirty students, who participated in an “iceberg” activity, where they shared things about themselves that are obvious (above the water) and hidden (below the water). Their responses ranged from amusing to poignant, and at the conclusion of the exercise many offered they had learned something new about both themselves and their classmates.

View an excerpt of Bradford’s performance.

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