The Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus’s Student Activities Board hosted “Rhythm & Roots: Live R&B Experience,” an event celebrating Black History Month in February.
As part of the celebration on Feb. 28 in the CU Lounge, attendees experienced a live band, ate soul food, and participated in Black History Month trivia.
Attendees in the Feb. 28 event danced to the live band, The Kwick Experience, who performed timeless and modern songs from artists like Anita Baker and Beyoncé. They received free pins and wristbands with phrases like “Black History Month” and “We Are All Equal.”
“I hope people have more education on Black History and get more information on famous people like Rosa Parks,” said SAB Chair and biological science major Eseme Matuke.
Matuke organized the event and looked forward to spotlighting important Black figures.
Concluding the night with “Black History Trivia” led the crowd guessing and shouting out answers to questions such as “Who was the first female Black astronaut in space?” —Mae Jemison. Another question was, “Who was the first Black Supreme Court Justice?” —Thurgood Marshall. Attendees also learned new facts like the first Black Salute was by two African Americans, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, in the 1968 Olympics.
Margaret Stucky, a general studies HACL major, attended the event after seeing a flyer on the TPSS Student Life’s Instagram Page.
Stucky, a music lover, said she loved listening to the band, dancing, and learning about Black History.
“It was one of the coolest things I’ve been to in a while,” she said.
Stucky invited her friend, Tony Tran, a biotechnology major, to the R&B Experience an hour before the event.
Tran said, “It was really fun. The food was really good, and the band was great.”
His favorite part of the night was the introduction of the band and the revelation that the lead singer and drummer are siblings.
The event organizers catered soul food from Johnny Ray’s Sultry Soul Food, including fried chicken, collard greens, and mac and cheese.
The food was a hit for attendees. Even band members of The Kwick Experience were heard whispering through the microphone on how good the roast was.
Demetra Crawford, the Student Life director, said the event offered soul food because of its association with Black cuisine.
“It’s important for students to know that we are going to celebrate all cultures and take part in their cuisine, music, and we will do all things that students like to do,” she said.
The Student Life leaders planned to continue celebrating cultures during Irish Heritage Month, Pacific-Islander Month, and more.
Crawford said campus events like “Rhythm and Roots: Live R&B Experience” create opportunities for fellowship and fun. She encouraged students to come to more events because they spread a sense of belonging to students while celebrating culture.
Crawford said, “What else are you doing?”
