1ST Annual Patrol Borough Bronx Youth Poetry Slam
Youth & NYPD Communicating
For the 1st time ever youth and community got the opportunity to communicate with the New York Police Department in the Annual Patrol Borough Bronx Youth Poetry Slam. “We are so excited and honored to be invited by Police Officer Eliu Feliciano,” said Principal Luis Torres of Bronx Public School 55. “Students representing our public schools cannot believe that they will be reading their original work in front of all the guests,” added Torres as he sets a painting by the podium. The art work was created by Torres himself as a special presentation for Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. solely using class room supplies including markers, white out, pencil, crayons and papers.
The Youth Poetry Slam transferred the Veterans’ Memorial Hall of the Bronx County Building into a poet cafe, offering all invited guests the opportunity to engage with the youth and NYPD through the arts and spoken word. Over 150 guests filled the Rotunda as Patrol Borough Bronx Community Affairs, Police Officers, NYPD Explorers, Teachers, Students and Special Guests read their poems. The event commenced as the program was directed by Sargent Heavey and Police Officer Birmingham of One Police Plaza Ceremonial Unit and each participants were honored with Certificates and Citations presented by Tracy McDermott, Lieutenant Lorraine Perez and Bharati S. Kemraj.
“To watch and hear each person on the program recite their spoken word in such a positive structured manner was truly delightful. We could not resist the opportunity to come and listen to such insightful poetry, coupled with the chance to share information about education, health and wellness resources,” said Noel L. Acey, YMCA Member Engagement Coordinator whose table lined the floor alongside several vendors including World Vision, Bronx Lebanon, Healthfirst, the Children’s Museum, NYPD Explorers Program and a few others that took the opportunity to distribute materials to the attendees.
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