Fear: What're YOU afraid of?

On Tuesday Oct. 27 UNCC’s exceptionally talented group of spoken word and poetry artists, Merge, joined with the brothers of the Mu Tau Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and U

NC Charlotte’s Black History Club for a mellow, enlightening evening of art. The event was entitled “Fear: What are YOU afraid of?” Numerous artists showed their talents in the open mic event in Cone room 208 in front of a very decent turn out. The overall concept was fear and the artists explored the depths of terror, how it affects people, and some ways to conquer it. The organizers of the event even included an interesting icebreaker midway through the performances in which individuals from the crowd volunteered and went up front to express what their biggest fear was. The most common fear felt among the volunteers was the fear of failure and not reaching one’s full potential: a feeling almost every college student can empathize with.

There were multiple phenomenal performances by members of Merge and a few unplanned volunteers as well. Some of the standout performances that stirred the most emotion and crowd involvement were from the Black History Club, a duo performance from Sanice Alexander and Alexus Widemon, Kristine Slade, and Abryanna Vidot. The Black History Club delivered a meaningful poem, entitled Brothers, on agony and terror by James Weldon Johnson which also brought forth some historical context on lynching. Alexander and Widemon unleashed a profound combo spoken word piece on an individual falling to their last leg and deciphering whether or not to keep or lose the faith. Slade delivered a passionate spoken word directed as a note to the dress code most recognizably used in public high school systems and the concealed oppression involved. Vidot recited a moving piece on the intense passion between lovers that creates a certain fear associated with love and a source of vulnerability.

The event brought together several students for a comfortable atmosphere and very enjoyable, touching evening. This program was Merge’s first official event of the semester and should definitely be viewed as a large success. Can't wait to see what they do next!