Drumbeats echoed through the Student Union yesterday, as dancers in purple and gold attire performed a traditional West African dance to honor Black History Month.
The event ran throughout the afternoon and attracted men and women of all races.
According to Christina Clark, president of UB's college chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, yesterday's festivities allowed students to express their views on current social issues.
"We wanted to give students an opportunity to voice their opinion about anything from affirmative action, the war, to issues concerning students on campus," said Clark.
Students were encouraged to view art exhibits, read poetry or speak their mind to help reiterate the value of Black History Month, she said.
"The main purpose of this was to get the word out about the NAACP and why Black History Month is so important," said Clark.
One of the main attractions in the Student Union was the drummers, who showed their skill on the jembe and other traditional African drums.
Jamil Abewale Kasumu, a drummer of 12 years who was adorned in tan, traditional Nigerian garb, shared the stage with the Multicultural Potential Center's dancers.
"This is part of my culture, and I brought it to the States to bring awareness to people," said Kasumu.
The center's dancers performed a West African dance as well as a contemporary hip-hop number.
Aminata Mitchell, an instructor at the center, stressed the importance for all people to participate in the festivities.
"African culture is not just for African people - it is for all people," Mitchell said. "We are very embracing of other cultures."
Andrea Weir, a junior English major, said the African dance performance was captivating because of its entertaining nature.
"It is really fun to watch," Weir said. "I have never seen anything like it before."
According to Minister Eugene Holiday Sr., chief executive director of the Multicultural Potential Center, the center and the dancers not only promote awareness of African culture but also encourage self-improvement.
"If someone has talent, we can take them to reach their highest potential," Holiday said. "We cannot only show the things that African-Americans contribute to this country, but help to build the confidence and self-esteem of those left behind."
Another component of the celebration was an open-mic session in which all students were invited to take the stage.
Lawrence Moore, a senior double major in health and human services and early childhood, enjoyed the open-mic the most.
"I think that the festivities are great," Moore said. "It was a good show."
Marquis Woolford, a senior English major, stood up and spoke about prejudices faced by students who participate in the Hip-Hop Student Association.
According to Woolford, the former president of the association voluntarily stepped down from his position because it was hard for the club to earn respect.
"The Hip-Hop SA is one of the few organizations that is predominantly from the lowest rung of the socio-economic ladder," Woolford said. "There are so many prejudices that are associated with members of the hip-hop culture and people that might not appear as educated on first glance."
In spite of background, Woolford said, college is accessible to anyone seeking success in life.
"I am trying to bring the voice of my neighborhood to an educated realm and vice versa," said Woolford.
Various clubs also gathered to take part in the event.
The National Society of Black Engineers had a table set up in the Union for a Valentine's Day chocolate raffle. NSBE Treasurer Robyn Liverpool said the participating clubs came together to show support for Black History Month.
"There are things for all different people and clubs on campus," Liverpool said. "Especially being on a campus that is predominantly white, it is important to remember history and people like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Sojourner Truth, and the impact that they made on society."
Dennis Febo, a junior Latino studies major, said he hopes events like this will become a regular part of the Student Union schedule.
"I think that there needs to be more of this," Febo said. "It shows the importance of diversity in the school."
Although it is important to celebrate Black History Month, Liverpool said, it should not be something that ends in March.
"It should be something kept in your heart and your mind all year round," Liverpool said. "You cannot just be black in February."
She said members of the black community and people of all cultures should be aware of their distinct identities throughout the year.
"You are who you are throughout your whole life span," Liverpool said. "It is not just for a year or a month at a time."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
