Bus tour takes students to visit Harriett Tubman’s home
Jessica Santana began to cry before entering the home of Harriet Tubman on Sunday.
‘I was getting really emotional and moved by the opportunity to come,’ said Santana, a sophomore accounting major. ‘This woman died for people, and she dedicated her life to people.’
Get on the Bus for Poetry gave Syracuse University students, staff, faculty and community members the opportunity on Sunday to experience the same Underground Railroad route that Tubman and hundreds of slaves traveled. While on the bus, attendees wrote and shared original poetry about black history and current issues in the world.
Hosted by Verbal Blend, a program in the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the bus tour also included stops at Syracuse Stage and Clinton Square, before visiting Tubman’s home.
‘I feel more motivated to do what I want to do,’ said Chiderah Monde, a sophomore broadcast journalism major. ‘I was feeling frustrated looking at all the things we don’t have anymore, like a strong black press.’
Monde wrote and read two poems while on the bus tour.
‘This should be something people care about,’ she said.
Critical of their current society, the poets on the bus voiced concerns they have in the black and Latino communities. Many of the poems read dealt with racial stereotypes, sexism, racism and family relationships.
Tarik Bell, a sophomore psychology major, wrote poems addressing present day subsidized housing and the history of black lynching.
Although more than 40 students signed up for the event, only a small portion actually attended. But Cedric T. Bolton, student engagement coordinator for Multicultural Affairs, is already making plans to have a second tour like this one in the spring.
‘I wish more students could have shared the experience,’ Bolton said. ‘Hopefully next time we can get two or three buses filled.’
He suggested the small turnout may have been because of a lack of time, proper planning or even genuine interest.
But some people who did make it said they were invigorated and inspired to write after seeing Tubman’s home.
‘I have so many ideas in my head right now,’ said Seneca Wilson, an employee at SU Recreational Services. ‘I thought it was a great idea. It was very different than a regular poetry reading.’
