Soulful tributes through music, song, dance and colorful art pieces encouraged SU students to take a look back into the past at the contributions of Blacks at “A Celebration of Black Culture,” hosted by the Beta Alpha Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Dedicated to spotlighting the talents of Blacks, the program brought students and community members together.
The program featured the talents of the Living Faith Christian Center Star Dancers and an African step was performed by the Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Musicians on program included Orrin M. Wilson, Lydell B. Banks and Tiffany Mosley, a member of the SU Interdenominational Choir, sang a solo.
Spoken word was performed by Donnie “Brasco” Rose (The Ghostwriter), James “P.I.M.P” Walker (Perpetual Invariable, Majestic, Poet), Rodney Junior and Tracey Strong.
The program also featured artwork created by the students in the SU fine arts department.
Throughout the program, historical perspectives on the importance of various art forms, such as music, literature and stepping were explained to the audience.
“Music has always played an integral part in Africa. Music was and still is a form of communication,” said Marci Siglar, a participant in the program and a member of Zeta Phi Beta. “When Blacks were enslaved, they would use music when trying to escape from captivity. All the music we hear today is in part related to the music we hear today.”
Participants felt that the program was not only needed to broaden the knowledge of SU students but also to create a festive atmosphere.
“There’s a lot to learn when we become aware of our history,” said James “P.I.M.P” Walker, a participant in the program. “We need more programs like this to continue. In order to know where we going, we must know where we have come from.”
