For Angel Davila, a University of Idaho sophomore, spoken word and gender equity is more than just having a way with words — it’s a tool used to better himself and to help others.
Speaking out against gender norms and false outlooks on masculinity is what drives him to do what he does, he said.
Davila writes poetry and performs in different spoken word events to provide the community with his outlook on issues regarding gender equality.
“I consider myself a spoken word artist,” Davila said. “I feel like now if I’m speaking in front of people, I want to talk about things that are important, like issues and things that are happening and how I feel about them.”
This November, Davila said he will perform spoken word for the second time at the annual “F-Word Live Poetry Slam” to provide his outlook on gender equality and other issues. Applications are open for F-Word and will close Oct. 19.
Davila said he met a man two years ago at a Hispanic youth symposium who influenced and inspired the poem he will perform at this year’s event. His piece is called “The Man’s Codes,” where he will talk about what he believes his personal codes in life are, what makes him who he is.
“I’ll talk about what I believe my father’s codes are, and at the very end I’ll say what mine are,” Davila said.
On top of performing spoken word for F-Word Live, Davila also performed at a cultural celebration called “Shades of Black” last spring.
The meaning behind his desire to perform poetry stems from his desire to see others happy.
“For me to be happy I’ve got to see that other people are happy,” Davila said. “Other people’s happiness is what makes me happy.”
Davila said he strives to help people throughout their lives, whether it be through advice-giving or simply being there to listen.
“I feel like I’m just striving to better other peoples’ lives, and in doing so I see that my life is also better,” Davila said.
Davila is currently working toward earning a double major in psychology and sociology with an emphasis in criminology. He said after college he plans to obtain a career in counseling.
“I want to help people in that way — in advice giving and hearing them and being some kind of social worker or something to help people with their personal issues,” Davila said.
Along with striving to become a counselor, Davila said he plans to continue writing poetry for the rest of his life.
Davila said he currently works at the UI Women’s Center because he enjoys promoting all of the work they do. In working with the Women’s Center, Davila continues to leave his mark on many people throughout campus, including Bekah MillerMacPhee, assistant director for programs of the Women’s Center.
“He’s a great asset to us,” MillerMacPhee said. “He’s pretty outspoken about issues surrounding gender equity, specifically issues that he can relate to, such as expectations around masculinity, restrictions that we put on people based on gender roles. He’s very expressive about that.”
Savannah Cardon
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