Free your mind, express your soul

The first ever open mic event in the Handy Campus Center featured live music, rap, stand up comedy and poetry readings by Citrus College students.

The Nov. 18 “Free Your Mind” event is the brainchild of Karine Ponce, Citrus College’s student trustee. Ponce said that she was inspired to produce the event after viewing a documentary film titled, “Story of Human Rights.”

This documentary showcased the various types of oppression that people have endured for centuries, including suppression of the right to free expression.

It also expressed the viewpoint that everyone should have the right to basic survival needs, such as food and water.

“I regularly go to open mic events, and I wanted a place where students could go to express themselves,” Ponce said.

As the event progressed, about two dozen students from Citrus College and Azusa Pacific University began to show up.

There was a total of 15 students who participated and 18 acts.

Early on a Citrus student performed a derogatory rap about women and was cut short by Ponce.

When APU student Dacia Taleni, a 22-year-old social work major, went on stage with bongo player Michael Martinez, a 21-year-old youth ministries major and guitarist Adrian Mercado, a 21-year-old biology major, she sang, “My brother went on the mic today and talked about me in a derogatory way.”

Taleni went on to say she forgave the student for talking about women in an inappropriate way.

“I wanted to lighten up the mood and bring back the free-spirited and laid-back energy into the room,” said Taleni.

The rest of the performers were enjoyable.

Poetry was recited, musicians sang their hearts out, and artwork was displayed.

Student body president Karlyn Bradley showed off his comedy skills.

“I was going to come regardless, and then Karine convinced me to perform,” Bradley said. “I have never done comedy in front of an audience, but it was a lot of fun.”

“Free Your Mind,” revealed the passion that students carry inside
their hearts and their souls.

“I think it was an amazing night and it is something that they should do more often,” said Michael Pryce, a 24-year-old counseling major and poet.

Everyone who went up on stage had something to say. From the aspiring teacher who asked, “Does my voice need editing?” to the young man who sang about an old love, “Free Your Mind,” covered various topics and emotions.