Print Page

AAS Presents Soul Café


Dickinsonians attending the third-annual Soul Café did more than just enjoy excellent food and entertainment. They also celebrated a rich cultural heritage.

Students came together to enjoy music and spoken-word poetry at the site of the former Good Life Cafe, a venue in downtown Carlisle that had re-opened its doors for one night only, to host the event. The February 18 show, which raised funds for Haiti-relief efforts, drew a packed house.

Violinist Alexander Strachan '13 and singers Melissa Gurdon '12, Kristen Lee '10, Andrew Hill '13 and Laeli Sharifi '13 provided the evening’s music. Spoken-word artists Shannon Givens '11, Kali Avans '11, Anabel Martinez '10, Javan Howard '11, Jonathan Baez '11, Azucena Alvarado '10, Liza Williams '10, and Eileen Galicia '10 performed original poetry. They were led by emcees Andy Lecointe '12 and Felice Thompson '10.

The Soul Café was presented by the African American Society (AAS), a student organization that promotes an awareness and acceptance of the African American heritage and organizes activities that encourage cultural interaction and diversity. “AAS likes to put on events that transcend the boundaries that separate us, such as race and class,” said this year's AAS president, Corinthia Jacobs '11. “Everyone can relate to music and poetry on some level. That's what makes Soul Café special for so many people."


1of1

  • Dickinson students packed The Good Life Cafe during the third-annual Soul Cafe. Each had bought a $5 "Relieve, Recover, Rebuild" bracelet to gain admission to the event. All proceeds benefitted Haiti relief efforts. 
    A Good Cause
  • Javon Howard '11 (shown above), an Africana-studies major, was among the evening's eight spoken-word artists.
    Javon Howard
  • Melissa Gurdon '12, an American studies major, belts out a tune.
    Melissa Gurdon
  • Shannon Givens '11, an anthropology major, performs for a sold-out crowd.
    Shannon Givens
  • 2010 African American Society members. Top Row (left to right): Isaiah Muhammad '13, Tara Bhattacharyya '11, Anita Robin '12, Assistant Professor of Africana Studies Lynn Johnson, Jamiee Gomez '12, Arielle Dumornay '12, Melissa Gurdon '12, Eric Joseph '12 and Michael Cook '13. Bottom Row (left to right): Andrew Hill '13, Shannon Givens '11, Sanaa Makanga and Corinthia Jacobs '11.
    Group Shot
Dickinson students packed The Good Life Cafe during the third-annual Soul Cafe. Each had bought a $5 "Relieve, Recover, Rebuild" bracelet to gain admission to the event. All proceeds benefitted Haiti relief efforts.  Prev ImageNext Image

Text by MaryAlice Bitts
Photos by A. Pierce Bounds '71