By Staff Writer Tamendy Raymond. Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity, Inc. and the Black Student Union held their 7th annual Black History Month show located in the Main Auditorium on February 16, 2019. The show promptly started at 5:30 PM, however doors opened at 4:30 PM. The show began and opened up with the “Black Migrations: Movement of the People.” The Preshow was a kekeli African drum and dance ensemble. Porsha O, the host, and DJ Sham maintained the vibe for the night. The first act began with the opening song “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Other various performances included our talented UMD students: D, Marly, and Ziva. The Step Team performed their “Live and Uncut.” They questioned topics about culture, food and tackled various stereotypes of what it means to be “Black.” Group of students’ came together in unison, raising voices and awareness to stereotypes and controversies in society pertaining to Black people. The show hosted and broadcasted different talents. Mechanical Engineer Sophomore Sabriya, sang “We are here” beautifully arranged and elegantly sung. Following Sabriya, was a Special Video Presentation which included and celebrated the lives of multiple victims of police brutality and racial violence, such as Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, and Sandra Bland, just to name a few. Following the short awareness clip, D’sword Gospel Choir opened the second Act of the night. They sang Moving Forward, by American singer, song writer and producer, Israel Houghton. They left the audience feeling touched, moved and inspired. Following D’sword’s performance was Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. who marched and displayed their pride of brotherhood. The audience was tuned in and all eyes were on them. They blew the audience away with their outstanding step and charisma. The energy was lively and it definitely attracted and captured the audiences’ attention. Meanwhile, these men stepped and gave us a glimpse of what it means to be a brother in Phi Beta Sigma. After The Sigma’s showed out, Poetic Justice ft. Maggie, took the stage with an enlightening spoken word. They coordinated a thoughtful, well rehearsed skit that brought the attention to the everyday struggles of Black people in America. They created a playful scenery of a card match. While depicting the wonderfulness and breathtaking scenery of Africa. They also discussed how it is living Black in America while shedding light, debating and speaking to the true, core issues of America. Afterwards, Sigma Phi Rho came and stepped in, educating the audience on how and what does it mean to be Black. They also presented their first time, Nicole Williams Icon Award to Senior Nakira Examond on her talented athletic skills and her ability to maintain the highest record in UMD basketball history. Pan African closed the show with a nice number and performed songs from several artists as early as the 1950’s all the way down to early-mid 2000’s. They were full of energy and life. They showcased synchronized movements depicting playful and cheery women. They gave us a Motown and upbeat vibe while dancing to popular 1990’s hits and dance moves. Pan African brought back the cat-daddy and made sure we put some R-E-S-P-E-C-T on their name. It was well preformed and left the audience ready to dance with them. Collaboration and teamwork is always necessary when creating an event as such, and it was well displayed how well prepared and organized this showcase turned out. Cheers to a successful show!