Open Mic Night

Last May, the final 2024-2025 Year Open Mic Night was covered, and based on the workings of the Open Mic Night Committee, the revived event was successfully executed through a collaboration of both VHS students and Global Prep Academy (GPA) students, which range from all around the district. This year included more booths, such as a drink bar and multiple club vendors, alongside the main open mic event.

Planning for this event started early August, where the theme was decided: “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”, a song by Gil Scott-Heron in 1971, which helped inspire Kendrick Lamar’s iconic Super Bowl stage near the beginning of the year. This theme centered around mobilizing the youth politically and socially, exceeding digital spaces that sometimes prevent us from doing so. Media Coordinator, VHS Junior Karisa Zoe Flores, and I discussed how she chose fictional characters for the social media reels (which you can find on Instagram), focusing on those “that evoked change”, and how the fact that the characters reached many audiences; with thousands of views and resonated with the teenage audience the committee was trying to reach. This brought up how youth must not only use digital spaces for change, but break beyond it. 

So, on November 21, 2025, many Hart District students came together to sing, speak, listen to each other’s ideas, and support one another emotionally during these unprecedented times. The event was opened by speaker, Dr. Sidni Appleseed, a researcher on Transformative Studies on Awe Psychology. She discussed her views on passion, race, and her ancestors, all to encourage students to look inward at our attitudes and lives. Many students performed, either with music or a written piece. 

The intention behind this free and public event was to invite and encourage students to have a political voice, so make sure to be on the lookout for the next one!