CAU Students Host A Benefit Concert for Booker T. Washington High School Students

Photo by Amber Harris (@brandingamber)

Clark Atlanta University seniors Sierra DeWalt and Tennille Lyons are hosting a benefit concert, with proceeds supporting a scholarship fund for Booker T. Washington High School students today. At the end of the year, the students compete in a poetry competition, with the first-, second-, and third-place winners awarded college scholarships. Merging their love for poetry, mentorship, and service. Sierra and Tennille aim to support their mentees while putting on a great concert.

The lineup of artists (Princess, Kirby, Sexton, JAH5, MJ STRAT, and okxyro!) will offer a variety of sounds, including rap, R&B, and indie music. The performers are all artists Tennille and Sierra are familiar with, and some have mentored Booker T. Washington students themselves. 

Sierra and Tennille volunteer and mentor Booker T. Washington students through the Next Great X Poets organization (NGXP). In fact, their friendship sparked when they met at the NGXP’s annual Valentine’s Day event. The two help students with their poetry and spoken word, and when asked about their volunteering and mentoring, their excitement was contagious. They described how rewarding it is to mentor the students and see their evolution as poets.

The event is taking place at Mutha’s House (@muthashouse), a space the prioritizes artistry and building community. Tennille and Sierra expressed deep gratitude for the space and for being able to host their event where Black artistry was valued and supported. 

The show was initially set for January 21 but was delayed due to inclement weather in Atlanta. It's now scheduled for today, Saturday, January 31, and though cold weather is anticipated, they have arranged for the event to be solely indoors and warm. 

In their senior years, they look back fondly on their involvement with Booker T. Washington High School students and hope to continue making an impact. Sierra and Tennille are exemplifying CAU’s legacy of “A Culture for Service”.