Black Voices

Issue date: 10/12/07 Section: Features

Media Credit: Cheris Branch J.Meyers signing CDs

Media Credit: Cheris Branch J.Meyers at Urban Poets

What better way to start the semester off than with a night of inspirational poetry, soulful music and home-cooked food?

Well that is what Urban Literary Society did, hosting "Urban Poets, Urban Voices" Wednesday evening, October 3 at Ground Zero.

The lights were dimly lit and couches and chairs were filled with eager students.

The night began with up-and-coming artist J. Myers who acoustically melt the hearts of many ladies in the audience.

Meyers' guitar, soulful voice and lyrics were all that were needed to be serenaded and sent to another place.

Following Myers' performance were the poems of many influential writers, which were recited by various members of the audience.

Students enjoyed poetry by renowned poets such as Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou and Tupac Shakur.

The range of poem topics, from relationships to self love, showed the dynamics of African-American writers and the powerful messages they offer.

Maya Angelou's poems were commonly read. Angelou's "Phenomenal Woman," spoke of womanhood, specifically black womanhood and ladies in the audience were reminded of their power, beauty and glory.

All poems related to the black experience in America and displayed the versatility of the works, as the messages present in the older poems still apply today.

The poetry was read in honor of established poets; however, the audience also got a taste of original poetry by some of USC's own creative writers.

USC's own sophomore Tirsa Fort shared her original piece titled "Suicide." Fourth year Matthew Trotter also performed some of his personal work.

The students' work reflected the thoughts of perhaps many in the audience. Topics ranging from stress in school to feelings of loneliness and sadness had everyone feeling the school blues.

Fortunately, spirits were soon lifted with poems about love and honoring oneself.


In the intimate setting, one reader had the opportunity to express the love he felt for a certain audience member. "This goes out to…," the audience member prefaced the love poem he was about to read.

The majority of the poetry was authored by Americans, but a poem read about being an African woman was truly empowering.

After the first half of the show, the attendees enjoyed a soulful meal prepared by senior Brianne Sanford. Dishes such as collard greens, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread were served.

Sanford had the right touch of soul that sent everyone for second and third servings. During dinner, students were able to mingle and catch up with friends during this busy time of the semester: midterms.

Once everyone's cravings were satisfied, the show continued. A new and innovative group The People's Choice (TPC) opened the second half.

TPC was lyrically and rhythmically dedicated to providing the audience with positive messages with a b-boy twist.

In the midst of all the popularized, degrading rap music, TPC offers a conscious approach. Heads bobbed and fingers snapped as everyone expressed their delight and justified why the group is "the people's choice."

The night ended with the talented J. Myers, who again captured the hearts of all the ladies in attendance.

As the audience grooved to the final tunes of Myers' guitar, one could sense the elevated aura as everyone was enlightened by the works of all the performers.

"Urban Poets, Urban Voices" left everyone wanting more: more inspiration, more love, more music, more poetry, and more of Sanford's delightful meal!

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