`Poetry, song and style' headline the 2003 Blak Koffeehouse
By HELENA PAYNE
Scene Writer
The event is called Blak Koffeehouse, but that's just a catchy name to describe the ambiance.
There's rarely ever coffee, although "there will be hot chocolate and snacks," according to Veronica Berger, president of the Black Cultural Arts Council, which is sponsoring the event tonight at 7 p.m. in the LaFortune Ballroom.
This year, the BCAC is offering something arguably even better than a beverage. It wishes to share "A Taste of the Soul." The event chairman, Jourdan Sorrell, said the theme pays homage to the African-American artists of the Harlem Renaissance. During the 1920s and 1930s, writers such as James Baldwin, Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, as well as musical artists such as Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday were part of the burgeoning African-American artistic and intellectual movement that dominated the social scene of the predominantly black Harlem borough of New York City. These artists inspired many to discover their own talents.
"We [African-Americans] have been characterized as a very soulful people," Sorrell said.
As the signature event of Black History Month, Sorrell said Blak Koffeehouse allows members of the Notre Dame community to see an updated version of the Harlem Renaissance's soul legacy.
"African-American fine arts have influenced American culture in very profound ways and at the University of Notre Dame we continue to highlight it's importance in American society by producing an artistic event that incorporates music, poetry and style," said Chandra Johnson, assistant to the president of the University.
Blak Koffeehouse began in 1993 when a graduate student in peace studies, Karsonia Wise, saw a need for an upscale artistic event that displayed the talents of students with an emphasis on the African-American culture. Since then, Blak Koffeehouse has been every Friday on Junior Parents Weekend. It's often standing-room only.
As part of the many events of JPW, Blak Koffeehouse turns the LaFortune Ballroom into an intimate café. Students of BCAC — in conjunction with other campus groups — speak to the audience through verse and rhythm.
In past years, the event has had two co-hosts, but this year, sophomore Jelani McEwen-Torrence will be the sole host.
"He has the ability to carry a whole audience for a night," Sorrell said.
McEwen-Torrence has been active in the Notre Dame literary community as a member of the Sophomore Literary Festival committee. During the festival, he hosted the talk of poet activist Nikki Giovianni and co-hosted an open-mic poetry night, where he read some of his own works.
"Poetry, for me, has always been what I've been into. It just comes naturally and I want to share that with people," McEwen-Torrence said.
Acts in the show include performances by Voices of Faith gospel choir, singing quartet Mahogany Soul and Shades of Ebony, a women's group that promotes the empowerment of African-American.
Shades of Ebony, which is performing the Maya Angelou poem "Phenomenal Woman," plans to illustrate the diversity of the African-American women.
"You're going to see a mother, a business woman, a neo-soul woman. … The black woman is so complex," said sophomore Shawtina Ferguson, president of Shades of Ebony.
In addition to womanhood, poems will focus on racial identity, love and other topics.
Saint Mary's senior Rene Tem, a member of Mahogany Soul and a finalist for talent search show American Idol, said she is looking forward to her last Blak Koffeehouse.
"This is one of the events on campus that means a lot to me," Tem said, adding that the event allows her to "showcase the talent that God has given" to her.
Tem will perform a gospel medley along with other Mahogany Soul members, senior Yogeld Andre and juniors Terrica Bentley and Jenna McCullins.
Under the presidency of senior Daly Barnes, the Voices of Faith gospel choir will sing two selections.
Members of the South Bend community have also been invited to come to the event.
As musicians from the Voices of Faith set the tone with a prelude, Sorrell said he hopes people feel an "opening and welcoming atmosphere."
While Blak Koffeehouse showcases much African-American talent, Sorrell and Berger said the evening should be shared with the entire Notre Dame community.
"It's important to showcase multicultural talent across campus," Berger said.
Later this semester, BCAC plans to co-sponsor events with other organizations on campus. They have also been planning their popularly attended Fashion Show, which is in late March.
As for now, BCAC promises that their taste of soul will be worth much more than the value of $3 that they have to pay to attend.
"Nothing can touch people like words," said freshman Chris Adams, who is performing a poem titled "Perfection." "You feel better if you can express yourself."
Contact Helena Payne at payne.30@nd.edu
All Scene Stories for Friday, February 14, 2003
