Kamau Daaood shows his honor to Black History Month

Kamau Daaood stood up and spoke strong; with clear words and a deep voice he brought the crowd in and out of excitement, wonder, anticipation, and relaxation.  A spoken word artist, a community arts activist, a man who mystically fuses a blues guitar with the shaking of a rattle and the humming and patting of his legs, Daaood brought words of wisdom to everyone at the Theater Arts Main Stage at Santa Monica College. As a part of the events being put on by Santa Monica College for Black History Month, Daaood was brought in on February 22 to celebrate and speak on the importance of African Americans on a college campus, and their contributions to this country through his poems.  Anyone could attend this event, as it was free, and many took advantage of this. The theater filled up quickly with classes, school clubs, and curious individuals.

Christopher Pittman, an SMC student who had never attended a spoken word event before, was greatly pleased with his decision to experience the poetry and music of Kamau Daaood.  "I came on my own accord," said Pittman, "I learned a lot. It shows how people express themselves mixing music and emotions."

Daaood's rhythmic voice, full of soul and feeling let go of simple and valuable messages such as, "take time and give it to others".  He performed with two of his friends, Munyungo Jackson and Dexter Story, who were equally expressive as they hummed along and constantly picked up new instruments to add another aspect to Daaood's poems.

The beats they made with all of the various instruments, from pots and pans, to Peruvian box instruments, all created a different mood to each poem.  Everyone was equally enthused, and never knew what exactly the artists would do next.  Everyone was entertained and focused in the best way, as Daaood made the crowd listen and more importantly, think.

The supervisor at the Santa Monica College Bookstore, Nelson Sawyer, is responsible for assisting in bringing Daaood to the campus having done so in the past. Sherri Bradford, the program leader and counselor for the Black Collegiate Program at SMC, knew that she had to bring back such an influential and fascinating man to speak to the students.