NAACP poet inspires students, faculty

By Abbigail Overfelt
News Editor
Asst. Web Editor

Photo by Abbigail Overfelt NAACP House Poet “Trin-A-Thoughtz” performs poetry on Feb 4.

The 19th National African American Read-In concluded at 7 p.m. Feb. 4 with oral readings of African American literature given by students, faculty and guests.

NAACP House Poet Petrina Bryant, aka Trin-A-Thoughtz, performed three poems inspired by African-Americans.

“Poetry touches me in a way that completes me,” she said.

Her poems ranged from people she considers an inspiration, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, to issues such as the education of African-American children.

Miss UNCP Jamee Hunt read “Choices” by Nikki Giovanni, and current Miss North Carolina Jessica Jacobs read “Equality” by Dr. Maya Angelou.

Selected verses of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” were performed by students DaTwon Canty and Ciara Dunson.

Assistant Professor of American Indian Studies Dr. Jane Haladay read excerpts from a June Jorden novel. Also reading from a novel was president of the 10 Percent Society Jamal Porter, who read an excerpt from “How to Make Black America Better” by Tavis Smiley.

North Carolina Library Association Vice President Sherwin Rice read selections from “Daily Motivations for African American Success” by Dr. Dennis Kimbro.

Acquisitions Library Assistant Vivian Oxendine read “Still I Rise” by Dr. Angelou.

Student Pia Jessup performed an original poem entitled “I am your legacy.”

The Multicultural and Minority Affairs Office Intern Tho Vo read a piece entitled “Prisoners” by Yusef Komunyakaa.

Director of the Office of Multicultural and Minority Affairs Robert Canida urged students not to forget to honor black history at all times of the year.

It’s not just a month, it’s a movement,” Canida said.