BlackSunshine to perform at Magnolia Avenue Campus

“Our ultimate goal is to bring about change in the world that we live in through the power of the Word,” says Rhea Scruggs, co-founder of the Knoxville-based group BlackSunshine Arts and Entertainment. “For in the beginning was the Word, and it is all that will remain when the world is gone.”

BlackSunshine will present a poetry performance at the Magnolia Avenue Campus on February 13, 12-12:45 p.m. The performance is part of the College’s celebration of Black History Month.

Three poets will perform individual and group pieces along with music. The group strives to present the world through different eyes, says Scruggs, and addresses subjects such as relationships, war, poverty, music, spirituality, art, personal growth, stereotypes and history.

Performing poets include Scruggs (a.k.a. “RheaSunshine”), Joseph Woods (“Black Atticus”) and Carlton Releford (“STARR”).

“You cannot do anything with any type of passion if you don’t know why you are doing it,” said Scruggs, who co-founded the group with Woods. “Through metaphors and scenarios we are able to present the world the way it is and possibly cause change in the lives of people that hear us.”

Scruggs said the group has performed together for four years for everyone from elementary-school children to 90-year-olds. BlackSunshine poets have traveled all over the Southeast performing for such schools as Ohio State and Florida State universities and in cities as far away as Sacramento, California.

The public is invited to the free performance. For more information, contact Remonda Swafford at 329-3102.