By Sabrina Mastronardo ‘15

Photo by Steven Tringali ‘13 | The Lafayette

Applause, liveliness, and emotion filled Farinon’s Marlo Room last Friday. The finale of Black History Month was a high-energy event featuring dancing, music, and dramatic student performances.

Among the events, a skit by NIA (Lafayette’s multicultural women’s support group) was a crowd favorite. It was an emotional performance dedicated towards women of color who have considered attempting suicide.

Kahima Moise ‘14: “It was so powerful; it touched me, and had a great story to tell. The girls also had a great stage presence.”

Intermission-turned-dance-party was a notable event during the finale, featuring a group dance of the Cupid Shuffle provided by the DJ.

Another performance featured Chris Saint Germain ‘15, who read an original poem. Part one of a three-part poem series, it addresses issues of slavery and poses the question of whether colored men and women truly are free in the present day. “The poem is a timeline of slavery to the modern day,” said Saint Germain. He took the stage a second time, with Maggie Frodell ‘15. The duo sang Beyonce’s Halo while Frodell accompanied on guitar. “I love Beyoncé; I was feeling good when they sang [Halo],” said Maxim Ngolla ‘15.

The Truth Gospel Choir also made an appearance. The group sang a capella songs, including Amazing Grace. Throughout the performance, there were cheers and bursts of energy from the crowd.

As a final mark of celebration, John McKnight, Dean of Intercultural Development, rallied the room as he led the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” also known as “The Black National Anthem.” “My favorite part of the night was the singing of [The Black National Anthem], said Ashley Boyd ‘15. “It’s a classic.”