"If you're colored, dreaming big is more than just reaching for the stars."

This line from a poem by Stacey Sandle (junior-communication arts and sciences) set the tone last night in Pollock Rec Room at the Pledge4Poetry open-mic event hosted by Phi Beta Sigma. In an effort to raise breast cancer awareness and encourage minority students to get involved, the event featured poetry readings from spoken word Def Jam poet and activist Nathan James and about a dozen Penn State students.

James and other performers focused on topics such as problems facing minorities in society and relationship issues.

"I just write about anything that is prevalent in society and something that would impact college students in general," said Sardle. "I think it's more comfortable on stage sometimes than just being myself."

Kwame Floyd, president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and a Phi Beta Sigma brother, said the event was meant to educate students and give them a chance to have fun at the same time.

"Instead of having someone come here and lecture, we wanted to have some fun with it and break the monotony," he said. "We targeted the minority community because it's hard to get them involved and come out to these events."

James focused on political and social issues and encouraged students to help each other and community members.

"You have to go back and teach your community how to get along," he said. "I am a firm supporter of getting in there and finding out the truth."

In between performances, Floyd encouraged students to donate money to the cause of breast cancer, and said the proceeds would be going to the American Cancer Society.

"This month is breast cancer awareness month and as an initiative we are trying to raise money for that and raise awareness," he said.

Like many other students who attended, Katora Jones (sophomore-psychology) enjoyed the program and was thankful for the opportunity to read some of her work.

"I like people hearing my thoughts," she said. "There are not a lot of events like this that are open to other races. Poetry is good for the soul."

Donna Abdullah (junior-agricultural and extension education) was also glad to see an event aimed toward minority students.

"I think it's nice that there is a program that is intelligent and that people can use to be artistic, especially for the black community," she said. "I like to see my peers be talented in the spoken word."