“Night Of The Arts” Showcases Student Work And Emphasizes Diversity

A showcase of dance, spoken word poetry and intricate paintings celebrated the rich history of African-American culture in the country Feb. 26.

The Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) and the Black Christian Student Association (BCSA) threw their fourth annual Soul: Night of the Arts in order to highlight the talents of Liberty’s diverse student body. The event took place during Liberty’s College For A Weekend (CFAW), allowing  prospective students to gather on campus and see what unique opportunities Liberty’s culture offers.

Liberty’s Student Body President Constance Schneider and Vice President Joel Thomas spoke on stage about Student Government Association’s (SGA) heart for this event and others like it that demonstrate inclusivity on campus and encouraged students to become more involved with that part of SGA’s emphasis.

Vice President Thomas explained SGA’s desire to expose both current and potential students to the diversity within Liberty.

“Another main purpose of this is for CFAWS to come and see at Liberty we value and want to promote diversity because the kingdom of God is a diverse one and we want Liberty to look like heaven,” Thomas said. 

The night began with time for guests to admire several tables displaying the work of different artists. One of the featured painters, Christina Davis is a local muralist and art teacher who focuses on expressing her personal and cultural identity through art. 

“I think a lot of my art is self-identity pieces,” Davis said. “A lot of artists will say even if we are not writing, all of our artwork is a body of details, little pieces of ourselves…it’s much like a biography that you’re writing.” 

Davis emphasized the representation she strives for and hopes those who see her artwork will feel. She said that when you put someone into a painting, you are showing the world that they matter.

“I think that is what is really important with painting,” Davis said. “When I was growing up there wasn’t that many images of any girls that looked like me…It was really important to me when I started making artwork that I did put a little bit of myself into it.”

Liberty student Jamela Cheriscat read a powerful spoken word poem from the perspective of a slave that demonstrated the pain related to having this tragedy as a part of her ancestry. She sees an incredible amount of value in nights like this one as a way to showcase what may be a new perspective for a lot of students on campus.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to share culture with students who might not have experienced this before,” Cheriscat said. “It really just gives insight into what black culture actually looks like.” 

Campus rapper 99 Apex fueled the crowd with an energized homage to rap music and emphasized the importance that Christ has played in keeping many people strong during an incredibly trying year.

The Night of the Arts was a time of reflection, immersion and inspiration. The divisional director of communications for OEI David Shinkle spoke on the importance of leaning into the artistic nature of God.

“It’s always been an incredible opportunity for people to come and experience afro-centric art, but it isn’t just experiencing art,” Shinkle said. “It’s also coming so that you can appreciate the diversity that God has revealed through being a creator. As creator, he has chosen to, in his creation, show his diversity and using the arts is a way for us to experience that very aspect of God.”

Nadia Vires is a Feature Reporter. Follow her on Twitter at @nadiavires.