Spring Break
AASU Takes Burden By Storm with Sankofa!
Benjamin Kennedy (ND), Contributing Writer
Issue date: 12/10/07 Section: News
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The history lesson continued into the next act as Constance Jones (OA), Frances Messano (OG), and Shandi Smith (OH), backed by the stellar house band, sang a medley of Motown hits by the Supremes and others. The ladies took turns belting out some legendary tunes while audience members clapped along with some even feeling the need to get out of their seats and dance. The singing continued with another wonderful vocal medley of gospel and spirituals performed by Earl Benson (OB), Ciara Gary, Constance Jones, Lamonte Leftenant (OC), Kirkie Maswoswe, Frances Messano, Shandi Smith, and Bruce Ware (OI). A montage of images depicting the trial and tribulations of slavery and gave added resonance to the Acapella Octets' moving rendition of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." The group's version of the Civil Rights Movement Anthem "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize" was similarly rousing.
The final act of the evening was a Step Show featuring a triumvirate of Black Greek organizations. The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, decked out in all black and wearing their signature pearls, took the stage first, averring that "pretty is not just about aesthetics" and then bringing the audience to its feet with a series of precise routines. Not to be outdone, the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated brandished their own fiery brand of rapid and rhythmic stepping raising the room to a fever pitch. The already enthusiastic audience members could barely contain themselves as the boot-clad brothers in black and gold took to the stage. The five members of Alpha Phi Alpha brought the house down with an intense combination of powerful steps and stomps. This provided the perfect finale for the show and the audience rose to its feet to show their appreciation.
The entire show proved to be one of the best events this fall. Not only was Sankofa entertaining, but it provided the entire HBS community with an important lesson on the value of collective memory. The constant maintenance of ritual and its thoughtful application in contemporary culture has allowed the entire diasporal community to make tremendous contributions to our global village. These contributions deserve to be recognized and celebrated by us all. On this particular night, in our small corner of the world, we made this aspiration and reality. And we were all greater for it.
The final act of the evening was a Step Show featuring a triumvirate of Black Greek organizations. The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, decked out in all black and wearing their signature pearls, took the stage first, averring that "pretty is not just about aesthetics" and then bringing the audience to its feet with a series of precise routines. Not to be outdone, the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated brandished their own fiery brand of rapid and rhythmic stepping raising the room to a fever pitch. The already enthusiastic audience members could barely contain themselves as the boot-clad brothers in black and gold took to the stage. The five members of Alpha Phi Alpha brought the house down with an intense combination of powerful steps and stomps. This provided the perfect finale for the show and the audience rose to its feet to show their appreciation.
The entire show proved to be one of the best events this fall. Not only was Sankofa entertaining, but it provided the entire HBS community with an important lesson on the value of collective memory. The constant maintenance of ritual and its thoughtful application in contemporary culture has allowed the entire diasporal community to make tremendous contributions to our global village. These contributions deserve to be recognized and celebrated by us all. On this particular night, in our small corner of the world, we made this aspiration and reality. And we were all greater for it.
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