By Jonathan Enyinnah Staff Writer
Frederick Douglass students aren’t just orators — but song creators!
Students at Douglass have a wide variety of talent, but there are a few students that have musical talent. For those students, they have or should be a member of the Lyricist Society. The Lyricist Society offers an opportunity for our young men to express their different musical talents through rap, singing, voice acting, writing, spoken word and poetry. The Lyricist Society meets in the room of its founder, Douglass teacher and founder of the Lyricist Society Quan Neloms, every other Monday during lunch to discuss new ideas and share what they have written.
The Lyricist Society began in 2009 at Douglass as an after-school program. The program was in part started as a way to increase student involvement in creative arts, but also a way to promote cultural awareness, achievement and literacy through the use of hip-hop and digital media.
Since its beginning date, the Lyricist Society has evolved to include not only hip-hop, but digital storytelling, video editing, creative writing and live performances. Although its facets have expanded, the Lyricist Society still is purposeful in giving students a voice and promoting cultural awareness, achievement and literacy through a creative medium, said Neloms
“The Lyricist Society’s mission is to show the world that African-American rap and hip-hop culture is not a holy evil, but a way of expression,” said Douglass senior Bruce Johnson.
Johnson has been a member of the Lyricist Society for more than two years and specializes in voice acting and narrating.
“The Lyricist Society helps us unlock the conscious mind of people,” said Douglass senior Micheal Zellars. Zellars has been in the society since late last year.
Zellars stated that when the instructor is teaching, the students (society) are his audience. “The teacher will set the tone of the class” said Zellars.
The Lyricist Society was recently on the radio on station WRCJ 90.9. The society members who were interviewed were seniors Bruce Johnson, Michael Zellars, Cortez Johnson and Javontae King, and junior Kamar Graves.
1218DougSociety: Douglass senior Michael Zellars writing his new rap, “Nutrients”
Listening to Kris Kross’ “Tonite’s Tha Night” to inspire him
