On Tuesday, February 16, 2016, the Freshman class celebrated Black History with a program entitled “Melanin Matters.” The program was held in the Student Union Ballroom at 6:00 pm.
“Melanin Matters” was hosted by Freshman Class President, Ivan Gray from Independence, Louisiana and Miss Freshman, Valerie Dean from Greenville, Mississippi. There was a great schedule of events at the program. Worship Experience, a group of Alcorn State University students, opened the program with a harmonious hymn. Kayla Gines, a Freshman from Greenville, Mississippi led the audience in singing the Black National Anthem ‘Lift Every Voice’. Robert Tatum, a Freshman from Jackson, Mississippi gave the significance of colors. The colors red, green, yellow, and black represents Black History.
Darrion Bunch, a Senior from Heidelberg, Mississippi said, “I never knew why these colors were chosen to represent the African American culture but now I understand.” A mime dance was performed by Miss Senior, Ari’Anna Magee from Columbus, Mississippi. Magee said, “I count it as a blessing whenever I am asked to mime and I was honored to mime for such a precious purpose like a Black History program.” Multiple students from the university did a tribute to African American History which included a monologue entitled, “Who Am I?” Soon afterwards Jamaica Linwood, a Junior from Battle Creek, Michigan did an awe inspiring tribute to Maya Angelou and Kayla Day, a Sophomore from Jackson, Mississippi performed an artistic praise dance which showcased her many talents.
The speaker for the hour was Minister Raynard Glass from Champaign, Illnois. Along with the minister was Hostyle Gospel, which is a gospel rap group also from Champaign. Vincent Myers, a Freshman from Bossier City, Louisiana stated, “I sincerely enjoyed myself tonight and look forward to attending events such as this in the future.”