Sigma Lambda Omega (SLO) chapter's The Arts! A Salute to the Harlem Renaissance and the Black Arts Movement student program concluded its Unit 1 Poetry from the Movements workshop, the first of three units, with a vibrant poetry competition!

With works inspired by the Harlem Renaissance and the Black Arts Movement, students gave it their all and each student was magnificent. Versed with music, all original work was packed with creativity.  The audience was moved by the students’ professionalism and knowledge of the era facilitated by SLO’s Arts team.  As a special “thank you,” each poet received a ticket to the play “Unsung Sheroes” produced by SLO’s very own Karla Kincaid.  Congratulations and special prizes went to The Arts! Poetry Contest Winner Zoe Griffin for her poem, “The Snow Fairy” inspired by the works of Harlem Renaissance poet Claude McKay.

Following the competition, in a nod to SLO’s upcoming Unit 2 Visual Arts from the Movements workshop, the audience was captivated by the visual works and wise words from famed artist Charles Bibbs.  The room was moved as he shared about his artistic journey and offered inspiration and encouragement to all saying, “Our future is in the hands of our youth in the terms of fame versus success.” Bibbs goes on to say, “If He (God) gives you something that you are naturally good at, that’s what you’re supposed to do.”  Thank you to Charles Bibbs for his meaningful contribution to our youth and for sharing his outstanding gift of artistic expression with us all.