Last night, Hampton University began February’s list of events with its annual Black History Month Opening Ceremony. That night around five-thirty P.M. you could spot numerous students, faculty members and Virginia locals gathering into Hampton Universities Ogden Hall Auditorium. As individuals gathered into the universities auditorium you noticed that several people were dressed in all black in honor of the first day of Black History Month. Every year Hampton University has an opening ceremony to introduce Black History Month and the series of events that will be held over the next month.
As the ceremony started the lights dimmed and the Majestic’s hip hop dance team performed as the night’s opening act. While the Majestic’s performed some cheered, while other individuals criticized the dancers dance routine, and the fact that the music was so low, you could barely hear it. Following the Majestic’s opening act the crowd all stood up for a prayer by, Mr. Tyson and the singing of the National Black Anthem, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.” During the ceremony there were numerous types of performances, including singing, acting, dance and even spoken word. Along with the numerous performances the ceremony also included a few speeches and even presentations for awards.
After the show concluded people gave their input on how they thought the opening ceremony was. If one was to ask around, they would find a mixed review of opinions. Some loved the show and thought it was entertaining, while others thought that the ceremony was an embarrassment to Hampton University, and was a terrible way to start off Black History Month. Rian Hayes, a sophomore education major says, “I was disappointed, I have never been to a Hampton event that was so unorganized.” Opposite to what Rian Hayes opinion was to last night’s ceremony, sophomore and English major, Avion Shoetan says she enjoyed the show. “I enjoyed the opening service; I thought all the performances, especially both spoken words were great.” With the month of February just starting Hamptonian’s have more to look forward to for Black History Month, and hopefully the next show will be more organized.
mignonbowie 