“See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil”

Poetry and spoken word are influential aspects of black culture that shed light on the issues, feelings, and experiences. MERGE is a poetry based organization at UNCC that hopes to bring this culture to such a diversified campus, where the importance of a rhyme can so easily be forgotten. With their latest event on Thursday, and with October being Domestic Violence Awareness month, they chose to tackle the pressing issue of domestic violence. MERGE hosted an open mic in Norm’s where they provided beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and most importantly, knowledge on the domestic violence epidemic. A slideshow of domestic violence facts buzzed behind the poets as they gave insight on abuse through metaphors and similes. Donations for Safe Alliance Battered Women’s Shelter were also taken through the event, letting those present be stepping stones into the lives of those who have experienced domestic violence.

The event couldn’t have been anymore well planned aside from the venue. Norm’s, as usual was filled with pool players and rambunctious groups with nothing better to do than drown out those performing. With the exception to the background noise, the event was well planned and well executed and the performers were ovation worthy. As the year goes on be on the lookout to what MERGE has in store as their audiences grow and their name begins to spread.

Xavier Brathwaite

#merge #domesticviolence