VSU held the “All Black Affair” at the Fruits of the Garden Winery to finish up Black History Week.

The owner of Fruits of the Garden Winery, Blanch Boykins, was the ultimate host, greeting students and serving wine. Mrs. Boykins has been in business three years and has been located in downtown Valdosta for two of those three years. The winery is one of three black owned establishments in downtown Valdosta. Boykins has opened the doors of the winery many times for students with great talent and wonderful ideas.

“This all black affair was a good idea and I’m willing to help as much as possible,” Boykins says.

A live band played covers from artists such as Alicia Keys, Ledisi, Jill Scott. Poets such as Phoenix Camilia and Queen Pen recited poems “Fingers” about the hardships of being a black woman of today and also spoke about the issues of sexual abuse and “This or That” which touched on relationship infidelity.

“I really enjoyed the poetry for tonight. I makes me think about coming out and reciting some of my own poems,” mass media major Valencia Williams said.

VSU NAACP President Deandre Jones stated that the goal for the “All Black Affair” was to show students a different side of Valdosta other than the “club” atmosphere. He also stated that he wanted to get students to venture out and have fun while learning about black culture and heritage.

“We’re going to have soulful music related to black culture, you won’t hear any of that new age music we have today,” Jones said.

Other events hosted at the Fruits of the Garden Winery are the Tiara Project (Prom Dress Giveaway) in March, Poetic Magic every first and third Thursday and VSU Art Display on the third Friday of every month.