Youth spoken word artists to showcase their skills

Through the Sacramento Area Youth Speaks (SAYS) program, hundreds of high school students throughout the region have had an opportunity this spring to discover and develop their poetry, writing and performance skills. On May 15 and 16, the students will showcase those skills at regional and statewide slams in Davis and Sacramento. The two-day event will also include workshops and a town hall meeting for students and teachers.

The purpose of SAYS is to infuse the Sacramento region with youth voice, and to amplify and sustain the health, well-being, literacy and academic engagement of youth. SAYS is a program of the UC Davis School of Education in partnership with the UC Davis Academic Preparation Program, Sierra Health Foundation, the Twin Rivers Unified School District, Sacramento City Unified School District, the Sacramento Office of Youth Development and Youth Speaks, Inc.

At the center of this partnership is a youth steering committee comprised of local spoken word artists, UC Davis undergraduates and high school students. Young people are leading the way for this initiative and are energized to create opportunities that allow their peers to shine.

For more information about SAYS and the May event, visit the Sacramento Area Youth Speaks Web site, e-mail Dr. Vajra Watson at vmwatson@ucdavis.edu or call (530) 219-1376.