"The Prodigies really gave me a voice and put in position to where I wasn’t afraid to speak my mind. Which is something I really struggled with in the years prior. The Prodigies made me feel like I was a part of something bigger than me because I was. The love and respect that we have for each other is so genuine and pure. They really give me peace of mind. Slam most definitely gave me better comprehension skills, because in poetry. There’s a lot of hidden messages and reading in between the lines which forces you to really figure out and understand what you’re reading or listening to. I think slam is probably one of the most important things to have an any community gives kids and people in general, an outlet to express themselves which a lot of people are afraid to do."

— Marshawn "510Shawn" Duchine, SLAM/Prodigies Co-President 21-22

"My name is Gabriel Perez Cano, an alum of Pittsburg High School from the class of 2020. In 2018, I co-founded the Pittsburg Prodigies, alongside friends I met in the slam club. It was through spoken word and poetry that I discovered my passion, paving the way for my chosen major and my future career as a cultural educator. This journey has also propelled me to leadership roles within various programs and clubs during my college years and internship experiences. I was also invited to several speaking events with the city of Pittsburg representing the prodigies, Latino Unidos, Puente, and for Los Medanos college. These experiences have not only granted me numerous opportunities to proudly represent Mi Raza but have also allowed me to learn about my people's history through poetry and education. As I march toward becoming an educator for the next generation, I believe that it is really important that we keep working to help young people in our communities feel empowered through the art of writing. Providing them space to express their artistic voices through spoken word and music writing to uplift and inspire creativity. As quoted on our bio on our Instagram “Elevating our young emcees and poets for stronger community and brighter futures”.

Thank you, Gracias, Tlazohcamati

— Gabriel Perez Cano, SLAM/Prodigies Co-President 19-20

"Participating in Slam gave me a safe space to let my feelings be transformed into Art. I learned to control my emotions and to become level headed within the workshops in Slam club. I also was introduced to a family that all supports each other. Slam Club also opened doors for me as an Artist. I was given opportunities to perform and create a fan base while also networking with other artist in the bay. Participating in Slam Club helped me gain perseverance within competitions. There were times that I didn’t score well by the judges and I had to learn that this could be a lesson and will help me in the long run. I also found my purpose as an artist within the Slam club, which helped me create songs that will send chills down ones spine or inspire hope. The work of the prodigies offers an outlet for the young minds in our neighborhood. Students who may have troubles within school, have something to look forward to. The space is very welcoming, and the art that is created will have more students off the streets and more focused on their creative ability."

— Antoine "d.b.moments" Justin, SLAM/Prodigies Emcee, 2023 YS MCO Champion

"Participating in SLAM actually helped me secure a scholarship owned and operated by the Making Waves Foundation. My passion for SLAM Poetry grew when I joined in my freshman year and Mr. Finn & the president welcomed me with open arms. As it grew, it gave me something to work for, and something to be remembered and recognized by at the school and by other scholarships. Participating and competing in competitions gave me a motive to keep trying and to keep improving on myself poetry wise and mentally as well. Whenever something bothered me or whenever something came to me, I wrote it out and let it out on the mic. In my personal opinion there is NOTHING that feels better than letting your emotions pour out. That’s why I loved it so much..

To elaborate more on it, I was the president of the SLAM club in the 2022-2023 school year which was also my senior year. Being able to lead a club and show leadership skills along with a strong charisma and passion for poetry helped the scholarship program understand my essay which ultimately got me into college and into a wonderful college prep program for California State East Bay. The continued work of the prodigy family is so important not only in our community, but in the whole Bay Area. We all strive to be great but not just in our community, we want the whole Bay Area and the whole WORLD to understand where we come from, our background, and our courage and passion and love for what we do. It’s important because this poetry can carry on for generation after generation. It’s our jobs to help mold the youth into people they want to become and form a unique mind of their own, something the city of Pittsburg takes a lot of pride in. Overall, we want to welcome everybody to our community and help it grow and mold the youth into the greatest versions of themselves."

— Joseph "babyjoe" Quintero, SLAM/Prodigies President 22-23

The Prodigies really gave me a voice and put in position to where I wasn’t afraid to speak my mind. Which is something I really struggled with in the years prior. The Prodigies made me feel like I was a part of something bigger than me because I was. The love and respect that we have for each other is so genuine and pure. They really give me peace of mind. Slam most definitely gave me better comprehension skills, because in poetry. There’s a lot of hidden messages and reading in between the lines which forces you to really figure out and understand what you’re reading or listening to. I think slam is probably one of the most important things to have an any community gives kids and people in general, an outlet to express themselves which a lot of people are afraid to do.

— Sean "Shawn33bo" Barney, SLAM/Prodigies Co-President 23-24

SLAM helped me project my voice, and get comfortable with both myself, my writing, and my gender! it helped me write out my feelings and be able to share them without judgement to people I can easily call my trusted friends. I’ve met people, I’ve befriended people, and those people became my family. Competing with my family just built a foundation to who I’d like to be! I’m surrounded by greatness and due to that, I am greatness. Being a part of the prodigies helped teach me its okay to think I’m great, and even better to know it! Being a part of such a group, you’re family. No matter who you are, where you come from, and who you’ll be- the Prodigies will always be there. Slam has helped me control my ever flowing emotions and get to know myself better. It helped make my loud and chaotic head, become a controlled chaotic head. Since I’d be writing so much already, it taught me that writing isn’t such a big difficult monster. It motivated me to reach higher, do better, and learn quicker. Pittsburg needs a community of young people unafraid to speak up. We as a city are often either overlooked or looked down upon. We are not afraid to say something, and rep something. We are the future, and we are very aware!! We try our hardest to provide a step stool, a hand to all. We ARE pride, and you will witness us!

— Jaqui Prado, SLAM/Prodigies Treasurer 23-24

Participating in SLAM, opened opportunities for me to speak out and see other artists like myself to see that I am not alone in the world--it helped me seek a place after school and let my emotions run free. SLAM has helped me in numerous ways by projecting my emotions on pen and paper and turning that into a art and passion to project my life and how I lived. It is such an important part and very crucial for young artists seeking people who are in the same interests as them. Upcoming artists come from many different backgrounds, and SLAM provides such a great opportunity for that. Who knows, they could be the next generation of big artists who came out of the 925 or wherever they came and represent themselves.

- Brian Abazan, SLAM/Prodigies Emcee, grade 12