Penn College News

'Soul Food Dinner' Savory Blend of Song, Story

Friday, February 28, 2014

Folklore, style and contagious joy: Malinda C. Love, assistant director of student activities for diversity and cultural life, and Stephen W. Houseknecht Jr., a graphic design major and Student Activities assistant, share the spotlight with Queen Nor (foreground).Tahira – a storyteller, poet, vocalist and percussionist with Keepers of The Culture Inc. – sings on the Penn's Inn "stage." Delicious soul-full fare included Brunswick Stew, a dish popular in the American South, featuring lima beans, corn, red potatoes and chicken.Subtly accented by lighting, Saundra Gilliard (performing as Momma Sandi) flavors the evening's medley of soulful singing and storytelling.Audience members-turned-instrumentalists accompany Tahira.The perennially popular Soul Food Dinner capped Penn College's Black History Month observance Thursday, treating the Penn's Inn audience to an entertaining side dish of music and storytelling. The Philadelphia-based Keepers of the Culture Inc. enlivened the third annual event, enlisting organizers and attendees alike in furthering oral tradition through heartfelt performance, infectious elation and rhythmic role-playing. (Zebras doing the salsa, anyone?)