Nora Meeks, Staff Writer–

On Feb. 19, the Slayter auditorium was filled with smooth jazz as the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha turned down the lights and prepared for an hour of poetry. 

Their first ever “Roots & Rhythms” event provided an opportunity for the brothers and the audience alike to use poetry as a way to express emotions and tell stories that are often harder to express. 

The event was open to those who wanted to share and experience poetry. The poems shared varied from originals about Christmas on the South side of Chicago to emotional readings of poems about a war-torn Ethiopia.

 Vice President of the chapter Andonte Mays ‘25 shared a poem about finding his place and reckoning with “roots planted in uncertainty.” While each poem was different, they all shared the common thread of trying to one’s place and still having love for where they came from. 

Chapter president Jeremiah Shelton ‘26 said that the goal of “Roots & Rhythms” is “to get people to express themselves, express their heritage, and just for them to come around people show the real them, and have fun while doing it.” 

The brothers each shared original poems with the audience before inviting each member of the audience to share a poem of their own, either an original or a poem that they found meaningful. 

After the poems were shared, the brothers invited the audience into the time of reflection to think about how poetry can help benefit your mental health. 

The brothers led the discussion, allowing the audience to share what other forms of artistic expression they use to express their emotions. While this was only their second event of the semester, the Alphas are hoping to host more events like this, allowing people to get in touch with their roots and their emotions.