On February 11, 2026, Word on the Street, Talladega College’s local poetry club, hosted the Love Jones event as a way to open their doors to the TC community for a night centered on love, creativity, and connection. The event combined games, an open mic session, and a screening of the film Love Jones, creating a well-rounded evening filled with laughter, reflection, and artistic expression.
From the moment guests entered, the atmosphere was both intimate and lively. Candles flickered across tables decorated with rose petals, and the lights were dimmed to enhance the romantic ambiance. R&B music filled the room, including songs such as “On My Mama,” “Water,” “Luther (If This World Were Mine),” and “Made for Me.” The carefully curated setting immediately immersed attendees in the theme of love. While the environment felt intimate, it was far from quiet, students from across campus gathered together in solidarity, creating a vibrant, buzzing energy.
If I had to describe the mood of the event in one word, it would be love, not the cliché, overly sentimental version, but a deeper kind rooted in joy, laughter, pride, understanding, and compassion. The space felt safe and welcoming, encouraging people to not only enjoy art and music but also contribute their own voices.
The members of Word on the Street were dressed in stylized black and deep red, each wearing a bright red rose that stood out beautifully against their coordinated outfits. The event’s color scheme: red, black, and touches of white added to the romantic aesthetic. Although attendees were not required to dress formally, many chose to do so, while others came casually. Regardless of attire, everyone was welcomed equally, reinforcing the inclusive nature of the event.
During the program, attendees learned how Word on the Street officially received its name. The club began meeting in the Student Success Center as a safe space for artistic expression. Over time, it evolved into a creative hub where students could share poetry, music, and authentic experiences.
The night began with an icebreaker game, “Guess the Love Song.” Participants had twelve seconds to identify a song in order to win a prize. Contestants including Asharie, X, and Gabby competed enthusiastically, while faculty members even joined in dancing as students laughed and tried to guess the tracks. The game energized the room and encouraged crowd participation.
The open mic session was opened by the president of Word on the Street, Jewel Cross, a junior psychology major at Talladega College. Before performances began, the audience was reminded of a key poetry tradition: instead of clapping, snap in appreciation.
Jewel shared a powerful piece that addressed heartbreak and the weight of societal expectations. Her performance set the tone for the evening, honest, vulnerable, and reflective. Big Pookie (Marcelle) delivered a spoken piece accompanied by music, adding emotional depth to his performance. Sir Kryptic took a different approach by singing and engaging the crowd in a call-and-response. His serenade to his “sunflower” highlighted admiration and devotion, and the audience even called for an encore. Other performers, including Sage and Tylar Twyman, explored themes such as regret, forgiveness, courage, and the bittersweet realization that some relationships though deeply loved may not be meant to last.
All of the poems shared during the open mic revolved around the many dimensions of love: romantic love, self-expression, heartbreak, growth, and companionship. Each performance brought a unique perspective, yet together they formed a cohesive narrative about relationships and emotional maturity.
Between performances, another interactive game titled “Red Flag, Green Flag: What’s Love Got to Do With It?” invited participants to choose corners of the room that represented different opinions. Topics included love languages, the foundation of a relationship, and the importance of trust and communication. Attendees defended their choices, sparking meaningful discussions about physical touch, passion, words of affirmation, and emotional security. This segment blended entertainment with thoughtful dialogue, reinforcing the academic and reflective aspects of the event.
The evening continued with a screening of Love Jones. As students watched, they ate, socialized, laughed at the humor, and reacted to the emotional twists. The film’s portrayal of the trials and tribulations of relationships mirrored many of the themes expressed earlier during the open mic. The alignment between the poetry performances and the film strengthened the overall message of the event.
In conversations afterward, many attendees described the event as “amazing.” One participant shared that they especially appreciated how both the poetry and the film showcased the realistic challenges within relationships while still emphasizing the power of love. Others expressed hope that more events like this would be hosted in the future, noting that the campus benefits from creative spaces that encourage authentic self-expression.
When asked about the purpose of the Love Jones event, Jewel Cross explained that the club wanted to honor both Black History Month and Valentine’s Day. The goal was to combine creative writing with community engagement by centering the evening around a poetry-focused film and live artistic performances. She emphasized the importance of creating fun yet meaningful campus activities, stating, “There aren’t a lot of events on campus that allow you to express yourself.”
Overall, the Love Jones event was a resounding success. Word on the Street created more than just an evening of entertainment—they cultivated a space for vulnerability, creativity, and authentic connection. Through poetry, music, interactive games, and film, attendees were invited to reflect on love in all its forms, from romance to self-discovery. The event highlighted the power of artistic expression to bring people together, foster meaningful dialogue, and celebrate both community and culture.
