“He is the sun around which all of my plants run. Pardon, I seemed to have mentioned the solar system, but he is my soul and my system.” This was a line in the Sankofa poem “Untitled” written and read Thursday night by Mariana Shepherd, which gained many sighs of approval from the audience at the Sankofa Poets event in the Student Union’s Magnolia Room. The event was hosted by the Black History Month Committee, Together Helping Inspire New Knowledge and the Honors College Student Council in honor of Black History Month. The event also boasted the theme “Expressions from the Heart” in honor of Valentine’s Day. Sankofa poetry is a form of spoken-word poetry. The word “Sankofa,” which comes from the Akan language, means to go back and reclaim the past in order to move forward. Kayla Sanders, a business freshman and member of the Black History Month committee, welcomed the audience of about 100 people. Sanders also served as the team leader for the Sankofa Poetry night. Sanders said Sankofa poetry is historically tied with black culture and felt this was a good thing to incorporate into Black History Month events planned by the Black History Month Committee. Other original poems and tributes to famous poets Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou were read. Sheppard, a theater senior, said she writes poems whenever she feels inspired. “[‘Untitled’] was inspired by a great person,” Sheppard said. Iboro Udoh, graphic design senior, and the historian of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., served as the master of ceremonies and said though he is not a member, he is regularly involved in performing with the Sankofa Poets. Udoh recited the first poem of the night which was an original poem titled “Undeniable.” His poem was based on love. “[‘Undeniable’] is a whole bunch of thoughts about different relationships I’ve been in or ones I’m currently pursuing,” Udoh said. “It’s about different things I’ve gone through and different ladies I’ve met.” Jessica Johnson, elementary education sophomore, said she heard about the Sankofa poetry night from a Facebook.com invitation. She said she came to support friends but enjoys the poetry so much she also visits Chelsea’s Cafe, which hosts poetry nights.
—-Contact Megan William at [email protected]