AddVerse (2023-)

AddVerse is a transcultural, multilingual, and intergenerational poetry student organization at the University of Pittsburgh that celebrates both written and spoken poetic traditions. Inspired by Audre Lorde’s words—“Poetry is not a luxury. It is a vital necessity of our existence.”—AddVerse believes in poetry as a force for personal and social transformation. Since its founding in 2016 by poet and scholar Luana Reis, the group has fostered a vibrant space for creativity, solidarity, and community, hosting regular gatherings, participating in campus and off-campus events, and curating unique poetic experiences. Through shared creativity and collective joy, AddVerse continues to build a world rooted in poetry, connection, and belonging.

By a remarkable coincidence, I met Luana on day zero of my stay in Pittsburgh for my doctoral studies. I soon began attending AddVerse meetings and became increasingly involved. In my very first semester with the group, I was appointed Events Coordinator, and when the founder, Luana Reis, stepped down (after moving from Pittsburgh to teach at Princeton), I assumed the role of president of this student organization—a position I still hold today.

As president, my responsibilities—with the support of the board—include both organizational tasks, such as university registration, fundraising, and determining the timing and location of meetings, as well as programming duties. This involves designing the format of our weekly meetings and planning and producing our semesterly events. Our traditional events include Black Consciousness Day in November (aligned with the celebration in Brazil) and International Poetry Day in April.

instagram.com/add_verse

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AddVerse (2023-)