In celebration of Black History Month, Elizabethtown College presented “Lift Every Voice and Sing: A Celebration of African-American Poets” in Zug Recital Hall Sunday, Feb. 24.

The show was presented to the general public and sponsored by The Fine and Performing Arts department (FAPA), The High Library and the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Title IX.

The show was organized by assistant professor of music Dr. Anne Gross, Instruction and Outreach Librarian Josh Cohen and associate professor of English Dr. John Rohrkemper.

“Lift Every Voice and Sing: A Celebration of African-American Poets” featured the writings of some of our country’s best-known African-American poets, such as Paul Laurence Dunbar and Langston Hughes, performed by students in song or as a traditional poetic reading.

Associate professor of music Dr. Justin Badgerow accompanied those performing musically on the piano.

“This concert is performed by students; it’s intended to feature them,” Gross said.

“There has been faculty-student collaboration, though. All of the singers have worked on their pieces with their individual voice teachers during their lessons. Poetry readers worked with Dr. Rohrkemper.”

Viewers respectfully watched all the student performances. Regardless of whether they were reading famous poetic works of African-American writers or reenacting the works in song, those performing celebrated the voice of historic literature.

“It was such an amazing program to be a part of,” junior participant Damani Odom said.

“I truly commend the College for offering a creative event for students to express themselves in honor of Black History Month.”

This was the first year in which a concert was held for Black History Month, but FAPA and the High Library have sponsored concerts for the past two years.

In the fall of 2016, there was a song recital of William Shakespeare’s texts, in conjunction with his First Folio being displayed on campus. Then in spring 2018, the poetry of Emily Dickinson was sung and read in concert by students to usher in National Poetry Month in April.

“I like to be involved with programming on campus that promotes diverse cultural perspectives,” Cohen said.

“And I love any opportunity to get involved with programming that allows Etown students to express their creativity, and I like that this particular program will give students the opportunity to perform the works of some wonderful poets who might be new to audience members.”

When discussing her involvement in the performance, junior Lauren Shakes made note of how “people do not often showcase African-American poetry that is comedic or happy.” In her performance it was important to her that she conveyed “the range that African-American poets have.”

Pleasant Sprinkle-Williams read poems by Paul Laurence Dunbar and Langston Hughes, and stated how interesting the event was for students performing as well as watching.

“I’ve never preformed with any music majors but it was fun to hear them and their musical takes on different selections from the Harlem Renaissance,” Sprinkle-Williams aaid.

A small dessert reception followed the performance in the viewing gallery of Zug. Overall, viewer response was positive, and the audience commended the work of all involved within the production.