Dylan Haviland – General Assignment Reporter
At the ballroom in Southern Connecticut State University, students had their eyes focused on Avery Mezzanotte. The SCSU freshman and psychology major held his guitar firmly against him on the podium.
He spoke of his missionary trip to Ecuador and the injustice he witnessed, “I just want you guys to think about the really terrible and heart wrenching divide between those who are rich and those who are poor.”
The student’s speech was followed by an original song he wrote that told a story of poverty in places we don’t always think of.
Mezzanotte was one of the several acts in the ‘Annual Expressions of Social Justice: Talent Show.’ The talent show, hosted by the SCSU Multicultural Center, gave students a chance to speak their voices on social issues they hold dear.
The judges included Coley Boucher, a graduate student of judicial affairs, Chermele Christy, department of resident life, Daphney Joseph, department of student life and Mark Parrott who is the assistant director of residence life for upper-classmen. The four judges voted for the student who used their artistic talent to best represent their view of social injustice, with the winner receiving a cash prize.
“I truly believe that inequalities in our society are unacceptable,” said Dian Brown-Albert, Multicultural Affairs coordinator. “Everyone deserves an equal opportunity whether it’s economic, political or social rights.”
The first contestant to enter the stage was Samuel Maximin, a business-finance major. He explained that to him, social justice is fairness in society, which people have voice to express what they believe.
“When it comes to freedom, I do believe that everyone has the right to say what they feel. When people are judged or oppressed for expressing their voice, then I feel we have fallen into an injustice society,” said Maximin.
SCSU students expressed their deepest concerns of the issues in today’s society through song, poetry or dance. The social justice topics the students chose ranged as vastly as their art forms. The social injustice themes involved bullying, discrimination and social biases.
“I don’t think people realize the power of music. Some words may not come along as well, but music is very powerful. When people hear something like a tune it settles into their mind,” said Diandre Williams a sports management major and junior at SCSU.
Williams went on to rap about discrimination in American communities, stressing his belief that minority groups in America should not be judged with negative connotations. His original song, “Boys in Blue” discussed contemporary issues such as minority representation in political positions.
Williams and other contestants used art to talk about today’s issues, allowing SCSU students to feel personal to their themes.
The talent show was not just a statement in justice inequalities, but music and arts in a campus environment. The show gave students an opportunity to showcase their skills and what they feel most passionate about.
Gregory Byrd, a freshman at SCSU and a physiology major discussed why poetry is an excellent way to get across messages.
Byrd stated that fighting against social injustice can help mend the separation of people in society. He described that his choice to use poetry was instrumental to getting his point across.
“Poetry is the ultimate expression of the people’s feelings,” said Byrd.
In college life and communities everywhere, social injustice is an issue that will be continued to be addressed by people from all walks of life.
“No matter the color or the race or the lifestyle choice you choose we all deserve the same opportunity,” said Williams. “Discrimination will only hinder us from a strong peaceful nation.
Photo Credit: Dylan Haviland
