By Kevin P. Turner, Contributing Writer
During a time where it’s important to acknowledge culture and support it, this past Saturday was the perfect example of it. At 4 p.m. doors opened up to students, from students with origins from all over the world to come and support the black history month show.
Once the show started at 5:45 p.m., the main auditorium was sparked with high energy from performances that ranged from all types of messages and acts. From spoken word, poetry, step teams, and all else in between that came from a lot of different cultures.
The most important line taken from the show was from a poem that had elements of rap from two young ladies that said, “All lives matter, but not all lives are being taken” which was one of many powerful statements that were being said during the show.
It seemed like one powerful speech after another was supported by the audience to the ultimate capacity. Thrown by Sigma Phi Rho fraternity and the Black Student Union, and hosted by Dartmouth students Porsha O. and DJ Sham made the evening for a fun time. Topics that ranged from “Black excellence” all the way to accepting everyone and their culture.
To make sure the month of February did not go uncelebrated. Making sure figures such as Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Harriot Tubman and others were celebrated and not forgotten.
All continents, countries, and backgrounds were highlighted that pertained to Black history. Haiti and Cape Verde just to name a few, all have different and similar aspects to each culture and were performed on stage. Couples dancing, or a famous poem spoken in to a youthful audience. It’s not hard to believe that people left the show very informed on learning about different cultures.
As friends cheered on roommates, teammates, and family members from the seats. There was a positive energy that never died down from the moment the first performance occurred.
Whether it were the hosts telling jokes in between acts, or bringing up people from the audience to rap and just overall have a good time. The warm welcomes outside the door and students dressed up made it for a great night. A free entry for students so long as they would donate a hygienic item that would be donated to those who aren’t as fortunate enough to access all the products needed on a regular basis.
As we move forward in 2018, there is a underlining message that was shown on February 24. To keep being excellent and to keep spreading positivity amongst each other. From fellow students on campus to people of all ages and races. To celebrate Black culture and all the things it has done for America, and to all be proud of where some of us come from, no matter what anyone says.
After the show was also a party at Woodland Commons to end the night. I think it’s safe to say on that night, the UMass Dartmouth culture broke the chains of colonizations and casted greatness.