���ϲ�����

Performing original works of poetry in front of classmates and friends is one thing. It’s something else entirely when you’re judged by one of the best poet’s in the region.

���ϲ����� School of Law’s 5th Annual “High Rhymes & Misdemeanors” Poetry Slam on October 19, 2023, witnessed law students and staff read original works before dozens of audience members gathered in the Cemala Foundation Commons.

Serving on the three-judge panel was none other than , who performed two of his own works in a program for community members to flex their rhetorical muscles and creative might with poetry focused on the law and social justice.

Sydney T. Kofi Ladans L’23 took home the top award from judges for “The 3L’s Prayer.” It was the second consecutive year that Ladans claimed the top prize – he won in 2022 with “May We Rise.”

“Being able to perform in front of classmates and faculty in the commons was a nice change of pace,” Ladans said. “I think poetry is a powerful artform that is often overlooked and I celebrate the fact that Greensboro has its own poet laureate. My poetry comes from a more solemn place, so I’m grateful to those that appreciated hearing my words. I encourage anyone interested in poetry to simply give it a try.”

Hosted by ���ϲ����� Law’s Legal Method & Communication Program with support from ���ϲ�����’s Center for Writing Excellence, the poetry slam coincided again with the National Day on Writing established by the National Council of Teachers of English.

1st Place & People’s Choice Award (Selected by Audience Vote)

“The 3L’s Prayer”
Sydney T. Kofi Ladans L’23

2nd Place

“5%”
Savannah Stinson L’25

3rd Place (Tie)

“Lemons to Law”
Mary Spektor L’25

“An Attorney According to Shakespeare”
Brigid Tournoux L’25

2023 Judges

• Josephus Thompson III, Greensboro Poet Laureate
• Catherine Wasson, Associate Professor of Law
• Emmanuel Agyemang-Dua L’22, Judicial Law Clerk for the State of North Carolina