Palouse Poetry Slam will be hosting its first open mic slam poetry event Friday, sponsored by the WSU English department. The event features poetry duo Manic Pixie Jesus Witch.

The pair consists of Fitz Fitzpatrick and Danielle Estelle Ramsay. With Fitzpatrick a practicing witch and Ramsay a pastor, they form a surprising and diverse duo.

However, both share similar themes in their poetry, often writing poems on topics such as living life and identifying with the LGBTQ+ community, spirituality and learning to recover from trauma.

Misty Shipman-Ellingburg, the slam poetry event organizer, will open for Manic Pixie Witch Jesus.

Shipman-Ellingburg said since Palouse Poetry Slam is just getting started it must fulfill a certain set of obligations such as hosting events to “prove that they exist.”

After doing so, it will get recognized by Poetry Slam, Inc. (PSi). Shipman-Ellingburg said this will allow poets to participate in PSi events like the Individual World Poetry Slam or the National Poetry Slam.

“The ability to share your stories with a group of people who are listening,” Shipman-Ellingburg said, “who care and who are celebrating you for who you are and what you have to say … it can change the way you see yourself. It confirms that your story matters.”

Shipman-Ellingburg said it could be helpful for the audience as well as they get to realize they’re not alone in whatever situation they are going through.

“The bravery and honesty about the poets who are willing to tell the truth and to tell their stories can heal entire communities,” she said.

For those who wish to participate in the open mic, signups to read will start at 6:45 p.m., so it is recommended to arrive early for those who want to read a poem.

Palouse Poetry Slam is from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Bundy Reading Room in Avery Hall. Admission is free and open to the public.