Gibson (left) and Benefield (right)
David Scibilia/ The Bona Venture
BY: DAVID SCIBILIA, NEWS EDITOR
“Fill up on self-love, then be loved,” Stella the Poet, a performer in “Speak on Sistas,” said. “To be human is to be divine.”
On Tuesday, the Jandoli School of Communication in partnership with the St. Bonaventure University Black Student Union presented “Speak on Sistas,” an event done in the Harlem Renaissance style of spoken-word poetry and music.
“I believe it’s a true injustice when someone is speaking out about something they feel [uncomfortable] with, and you turn a deaf ear to them,” Jason Benefield, the producer of “Speak on Sisters,” said. “We need to be open to what is really happening and what really is going on because [we all] have the power to turn things around and help out.”
The event is focused on encouraging the building of empathy and understanding as well as resilience in the face of adversity.
“We hope [‘Speak on Sistas’] builds bridges for people to understand other’s experiences and to develop empathy,” Heather Harris, an assistant professor at the Jandoli School and a member of the Jandoli School’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, said. “We want [people] to look at all humankind with empathy and understanding.”
“Speak on Sistas” opened as Benefield took the stage and gave his opening remarks.
“I’m just so grateful to be here,” Benefield said. “I’m one, you’re one, and I’m so thankful for [everyone] being here.”
Starting the event, Johnette “Ja” Warren-Askew accompanied on piano by Taveem Gibson performed a rendition of the first verse of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, also known as the Black National Anthem.
After this, Stella the Poet, the first performer of the night, took the stage. Her poems focused mostly on societal issues she sees in America today such as mass shootings and racism.
“Can your prayers stop the killing sprees?” Stella the Poet asked in her performance. “Can your prayers provide answers to the murderous menagerie?”
Similarly, performer Eisha Mason also mentioned the issue of racism in her original poem titled “Too Much.”
“It’s too much,” Mason said. “It’s too many deaths, too much grief, too many excuses and not enough answers. Too many lynchings caught on video, too many police and DA [District Attorney] cover-ups [and] too seldom does justice prevail.”
Gibson’s original song titled “I’m a little concerned” provided a similar message while introducing that there may be a solution.
“[‘I’m a little concerned’] is about what’s going on in the world right now and that there’s a solution coming soon,” Gibson said.
The second main theme throughout the event was the idea of empowering oneself and that it’s okay to put yourself first.
Gibson’s second song called “Choosing myself” discussed the importance of moving on from difficult situations.
“[‘Choosing myself’] is about going after what you really want in life,” Gibson said. “It’s about making a conscious decision to let go of the hurt and let go of the pain to move forward and truly live your best life.”
Performer Larneice “Coach L” Whitehead’s piece evolved this idea to focus on one’s inherent value as a person.
“If you place a small value on yourself, you can rest assured the world won’t raise your price,” Whitehead said. “Live on, believe and trust and a brighter light will bring you to life.”
Warren-Askew discussed how toxic relationships can harm one’s self-image and the dangers that can bring.
“They didn’t want me,” Warren-Askew said. “I didn’t believe I deserved better … I gave him my power, them my love, and they just left me out here to bleed out.”
However, Warren-Askew tied this into growth.
“Pain is not an end,” Warren-Askew said. “It’s a beginning if you find something constructive to do with it. And that is how we heal.”
The third theme of the event was based on resilience and continuing to stand up for what you believe in.
Jah’neyce Washington, a junior broadcast journalism major, performed “And Still I Rise,” by Maya Angelou.
“I chose this poem due to the uplifting message,” Washington said. “The poem itself speaks volumes to me because it encourages women to continue on despite what others say.”
Furthering this idea, Mason explained that the events happening in the world do not define us, rather, the ability to stay strong in the face of adversity does.
“The world convulses, but we’re still here,” Mason said. “You will not shut us down, fear will not hold us captive, we will not bow to you. These bodies are free.”
In Warren-Askew’s second piece, titled “Dodge,” she discussed how resilience can change the world and the individual.
“I am standing here with more scars than I can count … but I am centered, focused and patiently awaiting my moment,” Warren-Askew said.
Whether it be discussing societal issues, realizing one’s self-worth or working through adversity, “Speak on Sistas” covered a broad range of topics. Mason summarized the event best in her poem titled “Daughter”.
“You were born to fly. You were born to vanquish your fears and fall in love with this thing called life,” Mason said. “Trust life and trust yourself … the world is in need of your sweet light.”
scibild22@bonaventure.edu
