English Club hosts Poetry Slam

Thursday evening, Southern University’s English Club held a poetry slam at the Southern Grind Cofe. Composed of 10 members, the English Club was jump started by English professor, Dr. April Toadvine alongside a few of her students.
The event being their first, several students were in attendance making the slam a more quiet and intimate scene. For some, the poetry slam marked their first performance. Despite the small turn out, the night showed promise for the future of the club.
President of the English Club, Tia Walker, an English Education major from Illinois shared her thoughts, “The event actually turned out really great! All of the poets were amazing. But it was definitely stressful and fun planning it as our first event as a club. We don’t have anything else planned for this year, the club wants to host writing workshops and another poetry slam.”
Among some of the performances, Sophomore Nursing major , T’Anna Rainey from Natchitoches, Louisiana recited an original piece, “Because Black Women”. “Gotta’ have the big butt, thick thighs, because black is only beautiful when its in society eyes. Because black women can’t be wives, only baby mommas, or someone to call when they in need. Treating black women like leaves, they must have forgot, black women are the roots to these trees. Because black women are Eve,” she flowed.
The evening doubled as an Open Mic Night as well. Of the eight people to perform, four participated in the slam. Judged by the 89th Ms. Southern Elect Alacia Brew and English Professor Dr. Rasheedah Jenkins, the first place winner took the prize, and another was commended runner up. Awarded first place and a gift card for his poem “Stay Golden” was Jeremiah Cornelius (J.C) from Baton Rouge. The runner up for her piece “Inevitable Path of a Black Girl” was freshman, Shundericka August from Jeanerette, Louisiana.
The audience received the performances well, as there was a general enjoyment of the nights acts. Raymond Lenard, a Secondary Education English major from Baton Rouge commented, “It was incredible! Such a refreshing and inspiring vibe. All the poets most definitely put their passion and emotion into their poems. I’m looking forward to see what else English Club has in store, especially off campus.”