The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks, The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester."

Black Affairs Council held second Black Expo in Student Center Sunday

In the lounge, individuals are pacing between tables displaying various forms of art.

The tables display an array of artwork - large paintings in warm colors, at the next table, small black sculptures and accessories.

Freshly painted portraits are scattered across the third and last table, where associate professor Najaar Muswaar is sketching a woman seated across from him.

The sound of black spirituals, sung by Voices of Inspiration, is audible from the adjacent ballrooms. People sing along with the songs as they wonder back and forth between the lounge and the ballrooms, trying to decide what sample of black culture to partake in next.

The above were showcased during the second annual Black Expo on Sunday. The expo was an all day affair featuring an array of black culture and talent in the form of art, comedy, poetry, music and lectures.

Although the melodic sounds of poetry and music, inspirational lectures and ability to lean back and laugh at the featured comedians was soothing to attendants, there was little relaxation time for those organizing the event.

It is one thing to organize the average program, lasting about two hours, but it is quite another to organize several events lasting more than 10 hours.

This was the task ahead for members of the Black Affairs Council, such as Brian Morris, who had been working since October to put together the expo, which lasted from 10 a.m. to almost 10p.m.

"It's pretty much an extension of last year's event," said Morris, a senior in psychology from Chicago and coordinator of the event. "We based a lot of our ideas on the feedback we got last time."

Although BAC sponsored the program, they were hardly the only ones working to provide SIUC with the showcase of black culture. Members of the fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha, the Black Heritage Planning Committee and Triple Team, a clothing and production company, were among those assisting with the program.

Although Triple Team owner, Kevin Buford, graduated from SIUC last year, the former BAC president returned to the University to help with the expo.

"The event wasn't as diverse last year," said Buford whose company provided a great deal of the event's participants. "We're trying to attract more attention with a lot of different groups and were a lot more open to outside talents."

The talent Buford refers to is poets, rappers and comedians associated with Triple Team and from the Chicago area some of which have appeared in popular television Def Poetry Jam and Showtime in Harlem.

Although these performers made up a fair part of the show there was also a lot of local talent showcased. Visitors to the expo considered a featured BAC member Shioban Lawler a highlight of the event.

"There's a lot of local talent and that's what makes it so great," said Shioban Lawler, a senior in finance from Bollingbrook and member of the planning committee. "We're not fighting to find people to participate this year. There were even people coming up to me asking for slots right before the show."

From a man whose lyrics illustrated the meaning of a "crooked S," to a man speaking of the "Carbondale Blues," the poetry segment of the show provided entertainment for both local and visiting members of the audience.

"I'd have to say I enjoyed the poetry the most," said Jelani Nelson, who came from Chicago to attend the event with his brother, comedian Wildcat. "It was enlighting, educational and eye-opening. It's an important part of today's society, especially for a young generation that needs motivation."

After a comedic portion hosted by Wildcat, who found amusement in everything from every day life to movies, the event wrapped up, leaving time for socialization.

While socializing, attendants discussed the events of the day. Because the program was an all day affair, most had been at the expo on and off throughout the day. However, a few, such as audio and visual technician Paul Hardes had been at the Student Center all day.

"The event is a good way to build common grounds and bring people together," said Paul Hardes, a senior in graphic design from Chicago. "I think the turnout was affected a little by the snow, but otherwise, I feel things went rather smoothly."

Although the event did not attract a large, steady audience throughout the day, event planners and attendants alike were satisfied with the outcome of the event.

"I really enjoyed the talks with Sonja Locke and President Walker," said Najaar, an assistant professor in art and design. "The audience wasn't very large, so it was just small enough to have a personal discussion about issues.

It was a great opportunity for students to see original art. The Black History Month committee is respectful to the young black culture and provided the audience with a diverse platform of contemporary culture."

Reporter Jessica Yorama can be reached at jyorama@dailyegyptian.com