Thursday night, students from the University and surrounding colleges gathered to honor Black History Month by performing their interpretations of the theme “Reliving the Truth” at Sankofa, a poetry slam held in the LSU Museum of Art.
Students spent the night reciting their spoken word poetry and rapping original songs as a part of the month-long celebration hosted by the African American Cultural Center.
Throughout the night, attendees also received complimentary tours of the museum’s Haitian art exhibit, The Carnival, The City, and The Sea.
The word “Sankofa” comes from a Ghanaian proverb that means “It is okay to go back for that which you have forgotten.”
The proverb’s idea of remembrance led to this year’s theme.
Sociology senior Stephonie Rodgers, a Black History Month team member, said the theme is about past racism that can still be seen today.
“We wanted to hit the concept of all the racial issues that are going right now and are ongoing. They’ve been here, we’re still living what’s already been,” Rodgers said. “This isn’t anything new just because the media is now making it a big thing. It didn’t just fade away after the Civil Rights Movement. We’re still living with them.”
Sociology doctoral student Derrick Lathan has performed at the event for six years.
He shared his expression of reliving truth with his honest account of losing his virginity in his poem, “Her Galaxy.”
Lathan said the event is important because it gives African American students the time and space to express their creativity together.
“We focus on protesting, and we focus on understanding the past so that we don’t relive these same events, but it’s also about understanding our creativity,” Lathan said. “Being black is more than just protesting or politics, it’s also about creativity. Being able to get in touch with that is important.”
While Lathan is a seasoned performer, mass communication freshman Kateshia Swims made her Sankofa debut.
Swims performed her poem “How Does It Feel,” which she says is about being true to oneself with no apologies.
She said her poem related well to the night’s theme.
“It’s about doing what you feel, and whatever feels good to you is your truth. You’re living your truth and you’re doing what you have to do for you,” Swims said.
Sankofa is one of many events taking place this month to honor black history. The celebration will continue with the Blacks in Academia Lecture Series beginning Feb. 17.
“I think it’s really important because it gives the black students at LSU an opportunity to come together,” Rodgers said. “It gives us a chance to showcase our talents amongst the black community at LSU.”