The Kappa Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega held its second annual Coffee House Poetry Slam on Wednesday, Oct. 13 in Stallings Ballroom.

Artists, poets and singers were given the chance to showcase their talent for the students of NC A&T.

Walking into Stallings, students were embraced with the coffee house aroma and a relaxing atmosphere.

The live jazz band Soulful played well known songs including Melanie Fiona’s “It Kills Me” and Drake’s “Fear.”

Lights were dimmed, candles were lit and the city at night was shown as a back drop.

Light refreshments were served and paintings were placed around the room to carry the theme.

One of the featured artists was Lillie Lillan, a visual art and design major from Texas, who showed three pieces.

“I would love to see more things like this on campus,” said Lillan.

“Maybe next time we can get an artist painting and a poet spitting at the same time. That would be great.”

Artists sang songs including Floetry “Say Yes” and SWV “So Weak.”

One singer, Todnee Jeffries, sang Chrisette Michele “Mr. Radio” and “Love is You.”

Everyone gave her a standing applause as she left and went back to her seat.

Between performers, there was a saxophone duet that allowed everyone in the audience to sing along to the jazz music.

Poets also spoke their piece.

A group named S.B.E, Separate but Equal, showed their talent.

“Lyrically Blessed” and “D.A.L.E.A.R.” (Doing All Loving Everyone and Religion), who are NC A&T alumni, did a poem together titled Masterpiece.

They also did separate poems named The Ugly Side of Love and Rated.

Alpha Phi Omega held auditions for the slam and drew it down to 20 finalists.

They also held an extra 30 minutes at the end for anyone to do open mic that missed auditions.  

The president of Alpha Phi Omega Damquia Champion, also known as Champ, put the whole program together.

She also was one of the featured poets.

“We really wanted to have this poetry slam on campus and not off so people could be able to come”, said Champ.

“We usually do community service programs, so this is the first entertainment program we have held. It’s nice to see people come out, support, and enjoy something you do.”

• Necole Jackson