Fascinating rhythms flow at Student Center — by Jordan Hankston/Staff Writer

“I love my nappy hair!” exclaimed poet and Laney College student Sheon Slaughter as he moved across an improvised stage and let empowering verses flow at a Poetry Slam organized by the Black Student Union on Feb. 11 in the Laney Student Center.

“It’s for people to express themselves about things they see and feel during this time of reflection and celebration of Black history,” Slaughter said.

The performances focused on amplifying the voices of African Americans during Black History Month.

“I feel it’s important to express ourselves, our views and to connect with other people,” said Devin Baldwin, who also performed at the event.

Celebrating Black history and culture only during February, however, can be limiting.

“I don’t think Black History Month really gives us enough time to truly appreciate our accomplishments,” Baldwin said. “We’ve made great contributions to the world and they should always be shown and celebrated.”

As the Poetry Slam came to a close, Kevin Taylor, a.k.a. “Chief Black,” the event organizer and BSU president, had lots of hope and motivation for all the events during Black History Month.

Taylor emphasized that many elements of Black culture past and present are being used to advertise for products and services, but many people have a limited understanding of the roots of these aesthetics.

“We’re trying to encourage the seed that interests people to expand their minds and cultural outlook as Black people,” he said. “Even if you’re not Black, you can see what it’s like to embrace their counterculture of African American identity.”