FTC celebrates Black History Month with first annual Roots, Rhymes, & Rhythm
By Clarissa Biener
The Downbeat was transformed during Common Hour on February 5th for Roots, Rhymes, & Rhythm, a celebration of Black culture and Black artists. The room’s festive atmosphere was complete with streamers, balloons, and lighting in traditional colors of red, yellow, green, and black.
The event was hosted by FTC students Demetrius Reveil, David Whitehead, and Charles Houser. “We want to have events that are cultural, multicultural, and everything else in between,” said Houser, an Acting major. “So that, you know, we can educate people about struggles and still have fun.”
The co-hosts started the event by challenging misconceptions about Black History, emphasizing its global importance and the ongoing celebration of Black History and Black people. Attendees enjoyed traditional Jamaican food catered by Willie’s Delight in Deer Park, and the aroma of sweet plantains, rasta pasta, mac and cheese, and a variety of chicken entrees filled the air.
The event featured FTC students performing songs from Black artists, including “Your Spirit” (Tasha Cobbs Leonard), “Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops!)” (Blu Cantrell), “Never Knew I Needed” (The Princess and the Frog), “At Last” (Etta James), and even some original music. The FTC Sound Stream broadcasted the live event. Performers were asked to share what Black History means to them.
“It’s important to just highlight Black art and Black things in general,” said Musical Theatre major Ashlyn Daniels, who sang “Remember Black” (Leslie Odom Jr). “We wouldn’t have a lot, and we wouldn’t be as far as we are without a lot of Black influence.”
The joy in the room was unmistakable as everyone danced the afternoon away, cheering on each person who commanded the stage. The event meant a lot to Five Towns students, including Musical Theatre major Josiah Prescod. “It’s in support of Black excellence,” said Prescod. “And we have so many, I mean, like young creators and young talent overall at the school, but to focus and celebrate the Black talent for a while is really special to me.”
Black History Month at the college will continue with special programming on the FTC Sound Stream. The radio station will delve into Hip Hop History with Demetrius Reveil, Jazz History with David Frith, and R&B History with Amaya Hall. Other shows featured will include Leadership & Business Excellence with Amaya Hall and Dr. Tywana Williams, as well as Education & Mentorship with Aaron Jones and Derrol Rhodes, MPA.
The FTC Theatre Arts division also presents Zooman and the Sign from February 19th to 22nd, which features an all-Black cast. Tickets are available on the Five Towns College website.
