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Original verses unveiling the “Elephants in the Room” and lamenting gun violence were intermingled with melodious tunes about Summertime and requests for strength. Several Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students displayed their conscience, minds and talents on Monday, Feb. 22 during the University’s Black Heritage Month’s History of Black Poetry and Music. 

Racism and privilege were addressed in Kenneth Coleman’s poem, “Elephants in the Room.” The junior theater performance major said he wants his work to challenge and inspire others. 

“Black poets, writers and artists were at the forefront of the Civil Rights movement,” Coleman said. “A lot of people take the arts for granted and don’t realize the power of it.” 

He also performed another one of his original works: “Black on Black Crime in a Modern Day Minstrel Show,” that criticized black artists and leaders for not using their power and influence to help with problems in the African American community. 

Another poetic appeal came from Naja Gbala. The freshman veterinary medicine major performed the piece, “No More,” which cries out against gun violence. 

“It’s out of control, and we need to change,” said Gbala, clad in a black T-shirt that read: “I Can’t Breathe,” which are words attributed to Eric Garner. Garner died in 2014 police custody in New York City after being put in what has been described as a chokehold. Gbala made reference to Garner and Michael Brown, who was shot to death by a Ferguson, Mo., police officer in 2014. 

Musical selections were also part of the program.  

“It’s important for people to know that a lot of music is rooted in African American music,” said Cinnamon Stewart, event coordinator and senior mass communications major, after belting out an impressive rendition of Ella Fitzgerald’s Summertime. 

Stephanie Redfield, freshman mass communications major, gave a moving performance of I Look to You by Whitney Houston. 

Other participants included: Patrice Conner, a sophomore exercise science major; Michele Robinson, a junior psychology major and the SIUE Jazz Band. 

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides students with a high quality, affordable education that prepares them for successful careers and lives of purpose. Built on the foundation of a broad-based liberal education, and enhanced by hands-on research and real-world experiences, the academic preparation SIUE students receive equips them to thrive in the global marketplace and make our communities better places to live. Situated on 2,660 acres of beautiful woodland atop the bluffs overlooking the natural beauty of the Mississippi River’s rich bottomland and only a short drive from downtown St. Louis, the SIUE campus is home to a diverse student body of more than 14,000. 

Photos:

Singing Ella Fitzgerald’s Summertime is Cinnamon Stewart, event coordinator and senior mass communications major. 

Kenneth Coleman’s poem, junior theater performance major, performs his original poem “Elephants in the Room.” 

Naja Gbala, freshman veterinary medicine major, recites her piece, “No More.” 

The SIUE Jazz Band entertains during the History of Black Poetry and Music event.