The Gazette

Issue date: 11/18/09 Section: News

Media Credit: photo by michelle mckelly Dr. David Freeman, an assistant professor in the English department, enjoys sharing poems with both students and his peers.

Dr. David Freeman, an assistant professor in the English department, is doing more than just grading papers; he is "slamming down" his grammar lessons to students like he also slams his poetry.

Freeman has been reciting performance poetry, also called slam poetry, since 2007. He has been a regular on the Oklahoma City poetry scene since 2002 and has won two contests for his spoken word poetry-the Southwest Regional Poetry Contest in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the Oklahoma City Citywide Poetry Competition.

Freeman said he has been writing songs since the age of 10, which turned him into a lover of poetry. Freeman says his poetry focuses on social justice issues, intimate relationships, life experiences and personal stories. Regardless of what his poetry is about, he says his ultimate goal has always been to educate.

"I don't believe in entertainment for its own sake; it has to have a cause," Freeman said.

Freeman feels poetry should be filled with honesty, vulnerability, passion and the performer should also look at all perspectives.

"When you hear a good poem, it's like another part of a book being born," he said.

Freeman said he finds his motivation in poets like Maya Angelo and Nikki Giovanni, but he is mostly inspired by and would like to meet Mayda Del Valle.

Matt Vaughan, Freeman's friend, is an admirer of Freeman's slam poetry.

"I like how he is not afraid to be real, or afraid to call someone out, and he never sacrifices truth for feelings," Vaughan said.

Vaughan said he favors Freeman's poem "Alicia" in particular.

"He unapologetically calls out the norm, calling out for a change and offers a resolution," Vaughan said.

Freeman teaches a variety of English classes, including Black Literature and Film Literature, and often brings poetry into the classroom by incorporating it into his teaching curriculum. Educating what he calls the "Hip Hop Generation," Freeman understands the power of language and how important it is to express one's self. Through his courses, he said he is motivating students to have faith in words and in their words as well.

"Poetry is very useful. Anytime someone can integrate creativity into the learning process, it enables not only the conveyance of knowledge but also allows personal transformation," Freeman said.

Many of Freeman's students enjoy the way he mixes poetry into his lessons.

"I am big fan of poetry, so to be able to bring it into the classroom, share it, and get a decent grade off of it works for me," said Michael Everett, a junior criminal justice major from Oakland, Calif.

Freeman said within the next five years, he sees himself still being an English professor, writing, and mentoring other poets. However, he also sees himself performing in films and on tour.

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