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Black History Month kicks off with culture

Red, black and white dresses lined the walls of the Garrett Multicultural Center as the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated hosted the third annual Black History Month ceremony.

“The idea of having an official opening to Black History Month is an important thing to remind people why this month exists,” English professor and speaker Demetrice Worley said.

The room was filled with students and community members alike and was set up as a variety show with banquet tables, appetizers and a range of performers.

Ceremonies opened with “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Black American National Anthem, sung by senior mechanical engineering major Michelle Bryant.

Following Bryant’s performance were poetry readings and dance pieces, all centered on black history.

The crowd favorite appeared to be the slam poem “Seven Reasons to Love a Black Man,” outlining the softer attributes of African American men.

Junior business management administration major Jamara Bell performed the poem, which was responded to with a standing ovation.

To close the night, African tribal dance group Kumasi Kamberg took the stage.

“[My favorite act] was the tribal dance,” junior sociology major Victory Ogburu said. “It was something different and educational. They put in a lot of work, and I appreciate it.”

As the troupe played their drums, the crowd clapped and cheered along with them. The dancers also invited volunteers to the stage to learn a few dance moves.

Despite the energizing drum music, however, the main message the troupe wanted the audience to take away was to be proud of who you are and where you came from, according to the troupe leader.

“I think it’s wonderful that everyone got together,” Worley said. “[It was] not just the black students.”

For more information on Black History Month and upcoming events, visit the Multicultural Student Services page on Bradley’s website.

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