Chatter and greetings fill the sunshine yellow room of what is, by day, part of College Grounds Cafe and the Cool Beans Coffee Co. 

But every Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., this front room is transformed into a hub of poets and musicians participating in the weekly “Mind Gravy” open mic. 

Al Black, a poet and retired facilities manager at the University of South Carolina, has hosted the congregation of artists nearly every week for more than 15 years. Each gathering begins with a scheduled performance by a featured musician and poet, both hand-picked by Black.  

Then comes a moment for anyone to share a song, poem or just the thoughts on their mind as the open mic portion begins. 

Black prioritizes diversity and welcoming the next generation of artists to the events. He strives to build an inclusive space where everyone can build confidence. 

“They already have the skills – it’s just they don’t have the confidence,” Black said. “And if getting up on the mic to share their poetry gives them that confidence to all of a sudden be who they are – that’s a great thing.” 

Seitu Amenwahsu, a classically trained painter and Mind Gravy’s regular closing act, has been attending the gathering for 15 years. Amenwahsu says he sees a need for more open mics to follow in Mind Gravy’s footsteps. 

“We need more spaces, and more businesses need to do that because a lot of people want to express themselves and they don’t have that avenue,” Amenwahsu said. “It’s an opportunity for people to come out and relax, express themselves and get what’s on their mind off their chest.” 

English teacher Katie Ellen Bowers, the featured poet of the night, shared vulnerable poetry about grief and complicated family ties from her published collection This Earthly Body. Though Bowers regularly does readings, she said the environment at Mind Gravy is something special. 

“Al has created such a wonderful atmosphere,” Bowers said. “Everyone is so receptive and so kind. You just feel like you’re among friends even with people you’ve never met.” 

USC junior Brooklyn Brown has been attending Mind Gravy since January and has joined the ranks of regulars. Black has recruited her to run Mind Gravy’s Instagram page and recently helped take care of her car following an accident. 

“It really builds friendship and community with people that you might not expect,” Brown said. 

She said the Mind Gravy community has also shaped her art by providing a safe space to share. 

“I’m never afraid to share things that are different or personal or funny or sad or anything,” Brown said. “I think I just have been motivated to write because I know that other people are going to be able to hear it and connect with it.”