FMU students dance at cultural party

Charday Sparks, Staff Writer|April 19, 2019

FMU’s Student Government Association (SGA) promoted culture on FMU’s campus with its “For the Culture” party on March 27 in the Smith University Center (UC) Commons.

Senior Precious McLaughlin said the event helped to provide recognition for cultural advancements made by African-Americans.

“Nobody really pays attention to the contribution African-Americans have made as far as American culture,” McLaughlin said.

Students filled the dance floor in the UC. While dancing to music solely by black artists, they got to experience black fraternities and sororities who were involved on campus.

McLaughlin said the point of the events was for students to have fun.

“Tonight is all about fun,” McLaughlin said. “We want people to enjoy the things they normally do except for this time they are aware of the culture they enjoy.”

Junior Breanna Davis said she enjoyed the event because of its acknowledgment of the black community.

“I’m glad I decided to come,” Davis said. “The black community is so underrated and overrated at the same time. So many people can relate because we are the culture but many claim and enjoy the culture and don’t credit or care about the community it originated from.”

The event was a part of a larger recognition of culture and promoting self-awareness.

“I hope they have a week like this again next year,” McLaughlin said. “I don’t want this to be a one-time thing; it deserves an annual spot.”

Students listened throughout the night to songs from the 1980s to the present. Many students had dance battles of their own across the dance floor while others let loose with friends. During certain songs, group participation was vital, as everyone flocked to the floor and were engulfed in the culture as they moved in sync to songs without direction.

“I love my people; we share so many common things that were all connected in the best way possible,” Davis said. “It’s truly a beautiful thing to see. Like black fraternities and sororities are very different from any other, it is such a valued part of our culture as a whole.”