On Thursday, Feb. 23, Wittenberg University hosted open mic night in Founders; filled with Wittenberg and Central State students, along with distinguished guests. During open mic, there was a competition for the best performer, with students having an opportunity to win cash prizes.
There were a few Wittenberg students that stepped up on the stage and performed. They were sophomore Seneca Neal, who recited a spoken word, junior Tiwuan Atchley who rapped two songs about his background and upbringing, senior Mecca Abdul-Aziz who recited a poem about her own experience about colorism and Jonathan “JB” Butler who performed a rap. One student from Central State sang “Tyrone” by Erykah Badu.
Professor Dr. Bailey got up on stage and a recited a poem he wrote that did not make it in his memoir Belonging. Julius Bailey, a philosophy professor, had some of his friends come and rap or give a spoken word.
In the transition of performers, recording artist, scholar and social activist A.D. Carson, recited some of his spoken word. He encouraged the crowd to get relaxed and show support to all performers.
Besides listening to performers, the crowd saw a couple of sisters from Delta Sigma Theta stroll and dance in-between the stage and booth seats. Delta Sigma Theta is the one of the divine nine sororities and fraternities, which English professor Sha’dawn Battle is a member of this historic sorority.
The DJ had the crowd rocking with his music selection throughout the night.
Negrophilia means the love of black art, fashion, music, culture and black people. At the end of the event, the crowd decided who won top prize of $50 and the runner-up received $25. Neal won the top prize and Abdul-Aziz was runner up. The event ended with a dance party where people could socialize with each other and enjoy company.
