ʻAʻohe pau ka ʻike i ka hālau hoʻokahi │ One learns from many sources │ A web publication from the Office of the Chancellor, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
The “Soul Food 4 Thought” performance event was part of Black History Month in February.
Priscillia Momah, a well-known artist in Hilo who also writes songs that promote empowerment in the Black community, sings her new hit song, Kings and Queens, from her recently released album.
As part of a month-long program of events for Black History Month in February, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo hosted “Soul Food 4 Thought,” a performance event, on Feb. 23. Poets, spoken word artists, and musicians performed featuring African American genre.
The event was held in the Campus Center Dining Room.
Shelbie Shimazu performs.
Jenelle & Rivers, members of the band Fourtunes, perform in support of Black History Month and help open up the heartwarming atmosphere of good music.
Micah, an Intervarsity Christian Staff member, and Chan, a community member, shared their representation of one of Bob Marley hit songs, “Heart.”
Gary Harold reads a poem he wrote called “Black Woman” telling the story of the first Black women he had an encounter with, and how she inspired him.
Tiana Malone Jennings and her daughters Amaris and Marli entertain the crowd. Their group is known as Off the Grid.
Malcolm joins the Jennings and their band Off the Grid.
Bridget from Baltimore, Maryland, a well-known comedian in LA, Atlanta, and Chicago, not only shares her sense of humor, but also was Master of Ceremonies for the event.
Christina Rico, a UH Hilo student and member of the Drama Club, eloquently professes individuality through her poem “Identity.”
Tramour, Katraessa, Rachele, Kamuela, Damon and Chan collaborated for a “Love of Hip-Hop” dance exhibition bringing old school dance moves mixed with new generation moves as well.
Unity Nguyen and Band of Angels performs their unique music using the African 21-string Kora and vocals representing African Heritage. The band of Angels sparked a light in the café by motivating everyone to sing and dance along.
Unity Nguyen performs solo dance.
Papa & the Saints of Soul (Payton, Josh, Iris, Ika, Jalen) brought their jazziness and blew away the audience.
Micah, Bonaventura, Lynn, Tina, Auauna, Tramour, Mapo, and Maata debut singing “Imela,” which is a song from Nigeria as a tribute and support of the islands for all indigenous people.
Micah, Bonaventura, Lynn, Tina, Auauna, Tramour, Mapo, and Maata perform.
Priscilla Momah performs “Don’t Stop Laughing.”
Unity Nguyen performs solo dance.
Photos by Elijah Owens (sophomore, geology), a photographer for the Office of the Chancellor and UH Hilo Stories.
