Florida A&M University welcomed back alum De Anna Carpenter for the introduction of her new book of poems, “Lessons From The Fall.”
The event titled, “Urban Espresso,” was sponsored by the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. It began promptly at 6 pm in the William H. Grey Gore building.
The object of the event, along with the introduction of the book of poems, was to allow incoming Rattlers the opportunity to express themselves through song, dance, poetry, and other performing arts skills.
Carpenter, who graduated from FAMU in August 2004 served in the capacity of news editor at the Famuan during the final semester of her senior year. She accredits her years at FAMU for helping her to find her passion in writing.
“My reason for coming back to FAMU and introducing my book is to inform the students of my transition with self as I grew and learned about life because most of that I did right here at FAMU,” Carpenter said.
As the evening progressed, students were encouraged to share their life stories, express themselves through song, and explore their talents.
And, share their talents they did, as they drank espresso and ate cookies in a dark setting similar to local poetry scenes or coffee houses.
The author, who still wears her orange and green proudly, read a poem and signed copies of her self- published book.
“I want my poetry to ignite self-thought towards a deeper inner journey,” Carpenter said. “I want the book to strongly encourage others to recognize and accept the power of their being within as I have.”
Carpenter, who holds a degree in newspaper journalism, decided to quit her job of two years on July 26 as a copy editor at Columbus Ledger Enquirer to pursue her writing full time.
“I had to answer my calling from the Lord to be of assistance to others through my writings,” Carpenter said.
Carpenter is also in the midst of writing a self-help book, which is yet to be titled.
Bethany Jones, 21, a senior biological agricultural systems engineering student from Houston, supervised the event as the chapter president of the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. The chairperson of the event was Magalie Yacinthe, 21, a senior business administration student from Miami.
“The purpose of this event was to display the talents of the incoming students through poetry, song, monologue, and any other performing arts in an open forum,” Jones said. “This is an annual event that our chapter has sponsored since 1992.”
Sheena Hughes, 20, a third-year health information management student from Daytona Beach sat front row sipping on her espresso fully engaged in the evening’s happenings.
“I feel like this was really nice,” Hughes said.” It introduces another style of safe and pure expression to the students, and I’m glad I came.”
Carpenter, a member of the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., enjoyed the evening. She hoped that the students gained some knowledge about themselves that they may have not known before.
“I hope that by me coming here and sharing my writings that I have encouraged others to start their inner journey and participate in the personal process toward becoming their truer selves,” Carpenter said.