St. Lawrence University’s Men in Color (MIC) and La Sociedad Hispana (LSH) clubs are co-hosting the second annual “MIC Night.” It will feature performances from students speaking on remembrance and social justice, as well as a special guest performance from established poet Hakeem Furious.

MIC President Francisco Rodriguez ’19 is excited about the open-mic opportunity. “This event was a huge success for MIC and all those who chose to participate last year,” said Rodriguez. “It’s become an MIC staple, and now with the support of other groups on campus we have the chance to really put on a truly special event.”

LSH President Gabby Diaz ’21 planned to hold an open mic event to continue the thankful traditions that are prevalent during the holiday season. Following a meeting with multiple cultural clubs on campus, MIC and LSH executive board members decided that it would be best to combine their efforts in order to put forth one unified night.

“I think it’s clear that this event is important,” said Diaz. “It comes at a time where we need spaces like the ‘MIC Night’ that give people a platform to speak about things that are important, both to themselves and on a larger scale.”

Following the open-mic performances, there will also be a balloon release outside for those who wish to write a heartfelt note to someone they have lost. According to event organizers, the balloons will be bio-degradable, and will be released together at the conclusion of the event.

Hakeem Furious will be available before the start of the event to lead numerous poetry workshops, in order to help those who are passionate and interested in poetry. Furious is the author of “Dinner with the Ego and I,” and is well known for his spoken- word poems “Hoteps and Hennessy” and “Valero Valet.”

Jackeline Cortez ’19 is planning on attending MIC Night, and is looking forward to seeing the performers discuss issues that she finds prevalent on campus. “Events like these are uplifting for numerous groups of people,” said Cortez. “I think anytime you get to experience people performing genuine forms of art is a chance to feel something special.”

The “MIC Night” event will be held on Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. in the Winston Room.