The High Cost of Dreams: A Poetic Plea for Accessible Education

In a powerful spoken word performance, Carvens Lissaint delivers a stirring message about the accessibility of college education. Through vivid language, metaphor, and imagery, Lissaint paints a picture of the struggles faced by students burdened by financial constraints.

The Metaphorical Stickup

The performance begins with a playful yet pointed command: "Put your hands on top of your head." This sets the stage for a metaphorical stickup, where the demand isn't for money, but for financial aid. The repetition of "Put the scholarships in the bag" and "Put the Pell Grants in there too" emphasizes the urgency and desperation felt by students seeking an education.

A Fusion of Voices

Lissaint's performance is punctuated by references to iconic figures in hip-hop and social justice. He channels the energy of N.W.A. and the Beastie Boys, the rebellious spirit of Tupac, the Brooklyn swagger of Biggie Smalls, and the intellectual prowess of KRS-One. These allusions serve to amplify the message, connecting the struggle for education to broader themes of resistance and empowerment.

• N.W.A. and Beastie Boys: Representing a rebellious stance against the system.
• Tupac: Symbolizing the fight against injustice.
• Biggie Smalls: Embodying the struggle for survival and success.
• KRS-One: Advocating for knowledge and self-empowerment.

The Weight of History

Beyond the surface theatrics, Lissaint delves into the historical context of educational inequality. He references the sacrifices of his ancestors, who endured sit-ins and other forms of protest to pave the way for future generations. He laments how, despite these efforts, financial barriers continue to impede access to education, leaving students' pockets "as vacant as parking lots."

Echoes of the Past

Lissaint draws a parallel between the economic exploitation of the past and the current state of higher education. He suggests that the exorbitant cost of tuition and the burden of student debt are modern-day forms of oppression, trapping students in a cycle of financial dependence. The lines, "Lecture halls shouldn't feel like cotton fields," encapsulate the feeling of being trapped and exploited by the system.

A Call to Action

The performance culminates in a plea for change. Lissaint challenges the notion of "financial aid" that fails to provide meaningful assistance. He asserts that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and that society has a responsibility to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to learn and grow.

The Stakes

Lissaint underscores the high stakes of the struggle for educational access. He speaks of his cousins in Haiti who lack access to education, his friend in prison who could be in a university, and the dreams of an entire generation hanging in the balance. In the end, the message is clear: investing in education is not just an economic imperative, but a moral one.

Conclusion: Invest in the Future

Carvens Lissaint's "Poetic Stickup" is a powerful reminder of the importance of accessible education. By blending poetry, hip-hop, and social commentary, he delivers a message that resonates with students, educators, and anyone who believes in the transformative power of learning. It is a call to action to dismantle the financial barriers that prevent individuals from reaching their full potential and to invest in a future where education is a right, not a privilege.