Actualizing My Potential

By: Sierra Campbell

Every year the African/African American community on Kent State’s campus dress up in beautiful formal attire to celebrate their heritage, and love for each other.

Freshman Journalism major Jhariah Wadkins experienced his first Renaissance Ball this past Fall 2017. Where he was crowned the king of black homecoming week for his talented performances and warm, yet bright personality.

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, the 18-year-old is full of energy. His various skits and performances at the “Black Joy” themed ball, included friends alike, but he never ceased to stand out amongst them.

Although his energy radiates onto others, he says that since starting college, he’s realized that being with people, gives himself energy.

“I think of myself as a communicator as well as a connector. I like to bridge people together that might not know each other, otherwise.” Wadkins explained “People have told me they like being around me and like my energy.”

Jhariah floods his mind with positive affirmations, making him a confident student and creator. His interests in music and poetry reflect just how positive he can be as he gives his audiences the feeling of knowing him if they hadn’t already.

A natural-born artist, Wadkins sang and performed in choirs. He always knew he wanted to write his own music to perform, but could not quite get the hang of writing singing music. So he turned to Hip-Hop. With heavy inspiration from The Rootz, Mos Def and poetry, he began.

In both his music and poetry, the creative wants to express himself to others in the most clear-cut way possible. Unlike much of the mainstream music heard on the radio, Jhariah does not curse his work nor in his everyday life.

“I don’t really need to [curse], there are other words I can say…some people cuss unnecessarily…how you gonna’ speak to the kids?!” His temper was elevated and perplexed when he discussed this. His goal is to not ever have any of his work censored, so that everyone can consume all of his art.

Not only are his rhymes Rated E, in them he pays homage to those in his life that make an impact within him.

“Help my cousin get to Harvard

Help my cousin the barber

Take my family farther

Maybe be like the Carters”

A huge stepping stone for African Americans being as that, the minority was once not allowed to attend Ivy League universities at some point. He hopes his younger cousin can apart of that number one day.

Wadkins understands and appreciates the opportunities he has, as a young black man to be able to go to college and be a role model for his family and friends. Even for those he does not know. His face lights up and the feeling of euphoria oozes from him, as he talks about helping others.

“I binge being sociable, making connections. If I succeed, you succeed then I really want us to keep in touch, because then we could really build a foundation and help everybody else.” Jhariah said genuinely.

The poet has certainly began to leave his mark on Kent State’s campus and is only at the beginning of his journey. Wherever he goes, he is sure to take anyone he possibly can, with him too.

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