Walter Kemp 3 (left) and Jason Benefield (right) performing spoken word with accompaniment from the piano
David Scibilia/The Bonaventure
scibild22@bonaventure.edu
St. Bonaventure University and the Russell J. Jandoli School of Communication in partnership with the Black Student Union presented “Hear the Brothas,” an event focusing on diversity, equity and understanding in American society through spoken word poetry, rap and song.
Under the slogan, “Listen to Understand,” “Hear the Brothas” intended to give a voice to African American men.
“Over time, it has been only one way of communication,” said Jason Benefield, producer and performer. “There’s been so much submission and oppression, that when individuals that are wanting to speak up to tell us to listen, we have to understand.”
“Hear the Brothas” is an event completely unique to Bonaventure.
“Originally, I was a part of a group called ‘Brothas Speak,’” Benefield said. “Heather Harris [an assistant professor of journalism and strategic communication at the Jandoli School] happened to see the stream and contacted me to do something like it for Bonaventure.”
Performer and childhood friend of Benefield, Walter Kemp 3, notes that he wants this to be a unique experience for Bonaventure students.
“For some [students], this would be the first event like this they’ve experienced because many probably don’t venture to many of the metropolitans where performances like these are more common,” Kemp said.
The night opened with performer Joshua Johnson, who sang the first verse of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, also known as the Black National Anthem. This decision set the tone for the night by putting forth the idea for a “better future and a better tomorrow,” said Johnson.
The first major lesson of perseverance came in the form of an original poem from Benefield in his recitation of “I see it Now”.
“We’re not just one thing, we’re so much more,” Benefield said. “This is the pain of the past which has been passed on to you [to correct].”
Rev. Leon Campbell later reinforced this idea with an excerpt from his original play “Dearly Beloved”.
“Prepare for a new world,” Campbell said. “We only have to open our spiritual eyes to see [what the new world is/can become].”
Second, there was a large emphasis on the importance of family and cultivating a culture of love in one’s life.
“I want to push the agenda for love and push the agenda for common sense,” said Kemp. “I’m hoping [our nation] can progress in such a way that all can be heard and all can thrive.”
Similar to Kemp, performer Christopher Roland pushes for people to have more love for one another in their daily lives.
“I love each and every one of you because that’s how I was created. Love will always win,” Roland said.
President of the Black Student Union and performer, Akim Hudson, wants everyone to think of doing more.
“More. I want you to know that as you go into your midterms, finals and life, I want you to think about more,” Hudson said. “Let M stand for meditation, let O stand for observation, let R stand for revel and let E stand for express. Never forget these.”
Although “Hear The Brothas” focused primarily on the voices of African American men, there are more events planned in the future for other groups.
“When Dr. Harris called me about the brothers, I immediately also called out to some ladies as well for another event to focus on their voices,” Benefield said.
A similar event focusing on the voices and experiences of African American women is set for March 13.
“Everyone’s not the same,” Benefield said. “Not everyone is at a point where they need to be right at that moment, but they’ll get there eventually.”
scibild22@bonaventure.edu
