National-award-winning poet Rudy Francisco, accomplished author Kendrick Dial of Collective Purpose and special guest Succinct performed at Elevated! on Feb. 17.

Elevated! is a spoken poetry show designed to inspire and uplift its audience.

“I’ve seen Rudy’s performances before,” said Mesa student David Spearman. “Poetry is something you should really hear again and again.”

According to Francisco, Collective Purpose met through poetry. They are a group of poets founded to “inspire others to become truth seekers, truth speakers, and positive change agents.”

The performed pieces were sharp and poignant. The trio seemed to speak directly to every single person in the crowd.

Francisco’s pieces reflected a refinement of anger and pain made vocal and intensely personal. Through a glimmer of hope in his words, he attempts to alleviate the worlds’ pain.

“Poetry will allow me to die with my heart on my sleeve,” said Francisco.

Dial showed a caring heart, an uncanny talent for rhythm and a profound eye for the patterns and systems of daily life.

According to Succinct, “Silence will murder your mind.” Her performance shattered the silence plaguing the ignored torments of societies’ unseen and unheard.

“They [Collective Purpose] are here to help you discover the gifts you already have inside you,” said Professor of Black Studies Starla Lewis.

Several students, including Spearman, started the show with a display of their own gift of poetry with their own spoken word pieces.

“Literature is a kind of residual charity, offering insights and wisdom for future generations,” explained Spearmen.

An open question and answer forum ended the inspirational performance. Impressed, inspired, even shocked students asked the performers about their inspirations, lives, and purposes.

“When you figure out your purpose you’ll figure out your major,” Lewis explained.

Students left with a sense of confidence, if not purpose, that through their education they will discover themselves.

“When you’re done [with school], if you don’t apply what you learn, it’s like you weren’t even there,” said Spearman.