Saturday Feb 28, 2015-
Green Earth Poets Cafe’s His Story of Black Love event in honor of Black history month and Valentines love was a phenomenal success. The winner of the Slam was Mr.Tarishi MIDNIGHT Shuler (picture attached). The evening was beautifully run by program director Quindell Quev Evans. The event was opened with four (4) beautiful young African Caribbean dancers from Stigma entertainment. They were awesome, (i.e.), culturally enriching, artistic and wonderful African dancers. The audience was then mesmerized by a wonderful dance piece by the one and only Belly Dancer/modern dancer Synchana Elkerson (Synchana Madonna). She danced to a melody which gave honor to our ancestors which I’m sure made everyone proud. Her grace and beauty and dancing was something no one will forget. After the dance performances the Slam competition got underway with 12 poets all weaving spoken word stories which tantalized, entertained and educated. Each was a winner in their own right. Only 5 of the 12 poets made it to the 2nd and final round. I want to shout out and congratulate the 5 finalist, R.Q.Tek, Prospect (aka Jerome Monroe), Tarishi Midnight-Shuler, McPherson Anthony, and Nasiyr Abdullah. Each of these poets/artist deserved to win, each was spell binding with their art of spoken word. However, there could only be one winner named and that was Tarishi Midnight Shuler. This brother traveled from Connecticut to be with us I subsequently learned and can say he deserved the win last night. Congrats brother Midnight. The evening continued with outstanding and side hurting laughter as comedian extraordinaire ALEX Babbitt tore up the audience. There was laughter and tears from laughing so hard. This brother is someone to keep your eyes on in the future. Thanks Alex and April. We also had time for an Open Mic segment last night which was run by Green Earth Poets Cafe’s own team member the phenomenal poet/artist/hip hop star Nasiyr Abdullah. Welcome to the team brother. We wish to thank all the artists who were not mentioned for coming out, the guest judges, and most important the audience. As we officially come to the Feb. close of Black His-Story Month I thank you all. Video and still pictures to follow. Special thank you for our board members Diane McNeil, and Genesis Valdez for coming to the event. A special thank you to VIP judge Shannon Shird of the Brooklyn Arts Council.
