Alpha Phi Alpha sponsored a talent show in which seven acts were performed on Sept. 23 in the McNair Auditorium.

People lined up at the admission table before the show with money in hand ready to be admitted into the auditorium for the night’s entertainment.

The cost of admission varied depending upon three things. Greek organization members paid $2, all students with a Francis Marion ID got in for $3 and all other people paid $5.

“The fundraiser was held to spotlight our Francis Marion student talents as well as raise money for the Alpha Phi Alpha organization,” Derrick E. Young, the adviser for Alpha Phi Alpha, said.

The money raised will be used by Alpha Phi Alpha to “help the chapter attend its annual district conference in Greenville, S.C. on October 8 to 10,” Kerry Smith, president of Alpha Phi Alpha, said.

The full auditorium held approximately 300 students in attendance for the seven acts that were introduced as the night went on.

The hosts were Yasmine Dickson, who is an alumnus and Ms. Black and Gold 2009-10, and Joshua Demalo.

The first contestant was Erika Smith from Pawley’s Island, S.C. This nursing major sang “Hero” acapella.

The second person to show her talent was Faith Hamilton, an early childhood education major from Charleston, S.C. She sang “Cloud 9” while being accompanied on the piano.

The third contestant was a poet by the name of Quisha from Buffalo, N.Y. She recited a poem that received a lot of applause.

The judges were introduced after the poem, and then the next set of contestants began to showcase their talents.

The fourth contestant, senior Antwan Cantey from Manning, S.C., sang “Everybody Knows,” which apparently everybody knew because many sang along.

The fifth contestant, senior Kiswana Salters from Florence, S.C., sang “Running Back to You” acapella and received a standing ovation near the end of her performance.

Afterwards, the hosts started a Greek roll call, and all the different Greek sororities and fraternities did their individual calls.

Then the Dimensions of Diversity dance team came on stage with a high-energy dance routine that the audience seemed to thoroughly enjoy.

The next individual to the stage was Byron Bostic from Florence, S.C. This psychology major sang “I Need You Now.” The crowd cheered loudly when he finished singing.

Senior Omar Singleton from Bamberg, S.C. came to the stage last with a rap that got the entire audience so pumped up that some even danced.

After the last performance, the top three contestants were announced and the winner was brought forward.

Second runner up was the last contestant, Singleton, and the first runner up was Bostick.

The winner of $100 and first place honor was Salters.

Salters discussed how it felt to have won this competition.

“Winning is always a great feeling, but I did this more so because of my passion for music and my love for God,” Salters said. “I understand my gift has no substance without him. My purpose was to deliver a message, which I think I did that.”

On Oct. 2, Alpha Phi Alpha will be partnering with the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority and holding a car wash from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Burger King in front of the Magnolia Mall.