William Peace University’s campus features many different clubs and organizations. Of these, phenoMEnal, the campus’ verbal expressions club proves to be one of the most popular. According to phenoMEnal president Nina Barrett, “We chose to start phenoMEnal to provide a culturally enriching artistic experience to our peers and other campus groups while also building confidence through our public speaking skills”. phenoMEnal was founded on the William Peace campus in the spring of 2013. Jasmine Godbolt, the club’s secretary insures “phenoMEnal is open to everyone. We welcome all talents and any type of artistic expression”.
The club features many forms of artistic styles ranging from poetry and spoken word, to singing and even comedy. Amethyst Palma, a sophomore and member of phenoMEnal tells “My favorite part about phenoMEnal is that the group collaborates with other school and is not just confined to William Peace Students”. phenoMEnal members travel to schools in the surrounding area such as North Carolina State University, Shaw University, and St. Augustine’s University to show support and advertise for the club. Many students from these universities attend phenoMEnal open mics and perform various acts. Through this, community is established and collaborations are made within the triangle area student body. The group also invites larger talents such as famous national spoken word artist Abyss, hip-hop vocal group UpRite Lions, and rapper Descendent MC to perform at their open mic nights.
Sophomore member Gary Dyer expresses “I like that I am able to see sides of people when they are on stage that I wouldn’t normally see on a regular day”. phenoMEnal encourages all students who would like to join to come sign up and attend meetings. phenoMEnal’s most recent open mic, held on September 24, had a turnout of 100+ developing young talents and supporters from the triangle area. The groups next open mic night is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29.
For more information on the group or if you would like to join, contact phenoMEnal president Nina Barrett at nsbarrett@email.peace.edu or faculty supervisor Tonita Few at tonita.few@peace.edu.
