By Jessica Cuevas, Mar. 8, 2022
On Feb. 28, the African American Student Center hosted the Black Renaissance Open Mic Night at the University Plaza from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., where students were invited to enjoy the arts, music, food and company.
AASC is a community and resource for Black students. They are dedicated to preparing students for leadership and promoting academic excellence. With this event, the AASC wanted to give students in-person activities that they can participate in to ease their mind.
“Now that we are getting back to in-person habits we wanted to do something special for Black History Month, something where everybody can participate and hangout,” said AASC member Precious Chibueze.
Teaja Smith, the interim coordinator for AASC, started the night by quoting author Imani Perry and how they wanted to bring everyone together to share anything they liked, whether it be spoken word, poetry or dancing. Students went up and shared their talents which were followed by warm feelings and supportive applause.
Sociology major Jalen Jenkins shared a poem he and his friend wrote together called, “Nails,” a poem that targets toxic masculinity and shows different sexualities.
“I feel like doing spoken word or poetry is really healing,” said Jenkins. “I read his part and also read my part and I had painted nails at the time, so I figured I do the analogy of nails and sexuality and basically take a slap to the face of toxic masculinity.”
Jenkins said he felt a bit nervous but at the same time not much since he did not have to memorize it, “I’m glad that I went up there and didn’t care what anybody else thought.”
Some students did not go up but enjoyed their time at the event and appreciated everyone who performed. business management and human resource major Robert Quintero was part of the audience and heard about this event through project SUCCESS, a program for men of color.
“I wanted to learn more about the AASC and see what they are about; there is a sense of community and connection here with jokes and humor,” said Quintero.
Shaela Young, a social justice leader for AASC performed a verse from the book of Psalms and wanted to share with everyone some spoken word. She enjoyed talking about the bible and what better way to share than at the open mic. Young felt comfortable sharing what she loves with everyone and loved being at the event.
This event expressed an enormous amount of laughter, jokes and great energy all around. It was a safe space for anyone who wanted to step out of their comfort zone.
AASC encourages students to come together and show what being part of the community is like here at CPP. Transitioning back to in-person, while still dealing with COVID-19, can be stressful, so the event was a way to take the edge off with something fun and interactive.“You can’t beat the people here; we end up being a big family and there are so many different personalities that come in and out,” said Chibueze.
To learn about upcoming events and information the campus can visit the AASC at myBAR.
Feature image by Jessica Cuevas
