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Non-TCU
student wins Black History event
The
month’s events concluded with the Night at the Apollo,
which collected donated canned foods and amused students.
By
Drew Irwin
Poetry,
songs and comedy entertained a crowd at the Night at the
Apollo Thursday.
The event was designed to mimic the historic Apollo Theater,
with encouraged audience participation, a disc jockey
and even a Sandman to sweep off acts gone bad.
“I thought it went really well,” said Greg Trevino,
assistant director of the office of Intercultural Education
and Services. “The Black History Month Committee
did an outstanding job, and the success tonight is a result
of their hard work.”
This year, students from outside the university were invited
to participate. In addition to a rapping act from Cedar
Valley Community College, a poet from the University of
North Texas walked away with the $200 grand prize.
The crowd awarded UNT student Nnamdi Orakpo with the prize
after he performed his poem “Solis Invicti.”
Orakpo said his act was designed to make black Americans
proud of their African background.
“My poem was about African culture and spirituality
and embracing the origin of our heritage,” Orakpo
said.
Kat Barseth, a freshman premajor, placed second in the
event. Her Glowstick performance to “Do You Think
You’re Better Off Alone?” was one of the most
popular acts of the night, judging by audience reaction.
In addition to the acts, the committee also made a presentation
about the history of the Apollo Theater. The committee
honored “Apollo Legends” such as Ella Fitzgerald,
James Brown, Aretha Franklin and the Jackson Five.
Trevino said he was happy to see how many people showed
up for the event.
“I’m really excited about the turnout,”
Trevino said. “More importantly, I’m glad to
see such a diverse audience come out and have a good time.”
Audience members brought canned food to be donated to
the Tarrant Area Food Bank to the Student Center Ballroom
in order to get into the show.
While the event kicked off Black History Month last year,
the night concluded the month this year.
“I think it was a good, festive way to end the month,”
said Dominique Dennis, a member of the committee.
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Ty
Halasz/Staff Photographer
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| Sophomore
Alan Royal performs the rap “Love” at
Apollo Night Thursday evening in the Student Center
Ballroom. |
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