The Reggae Block Party, a cultural event sponsored by the University Programming Board (UPB), was held on the patio of the University Center on April 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Live music, refreshments such as “mock-tails” and frozen drinks were available outside as UPB provided a reggae-like cultural environ-ment for students.

Sophomore and biology major, Jayde Nelson, enjoyed the unique UPB event.

“I like when FMU is able to bring in various cultures for the students to experience,” Nelson said.

UPB member Shuvonta Smalls, a junior majoring in graphic design, explained why UPB decided to host the Reggae Block Party.

“We were trying to go for something different,” Smalls said. “Since I’ve been here (at FMU), I haven’t seen anything like that on campus. It was a new and different experience.”

Kaanan Lewis, a senior majoring in elementary education, also saw some differences in this event from others.

“It was different (from our other events) in many ways,” Lewis said. “One particular way that it was different was that we were able to experience another culture and what it had to offer.”

One of the things that stood out the most to students was the live band, Da Gullah Rootz, from Charleston, SC.

Kerry Smith, a senior double majoring in business management and marketing, saw the band perform in Charleston and thought they would be something different to bring to campus.

“They were the headline band for the block party at the Moja Arts festival in Charleston, so we thought it would be nice to have them on campus for a diversity event.”

The band had free giveaways of their mix CDs and mix-tapes for students to listen to.

A limbo contest was held awarding the best of both girls and boys.

Senior and finance major, Harry Session, participated in the contest and won first place for the guys and third place overall.

“(The event) was pretty good,” Session said. “Most events only have music and food. A lot of organizations don’t incorporate games, so it was fun.”

Smith liked the idea of the limbo contest and found that the crowd was very excited during that portion of the event.

“The limbo contest was very vitalizing,” Smith said.  “People had fun. They ate, they drank and they had a good time.”

According to Lewis, hosting diverse events helps promote unity among the student body.

“Holding events like this on campus is important because it does not just focus on one ethnicity,” Lewis said.  “. . .It brings many different types of students together to have a great time.”