Aaron Berkowitz – General Assignment Reporter
It’s always a good time when everyone can come out to dance and get fly, said Malcolm Stanley, senior music major, after the 2014 Legends Ball. “Southern can always build more community,” said Stanley. “It’s great to see it so packed in here and everyone enjoying the food, dance pieces, and everything that’s going on.”
The Ball was a product of the BSU, OLAS, Aziza Dance Company, Western Indian Society, and Multicultural Center collaborating with the hope of bringing Southern together for a night of enlightenment and elegance.
Randall Sapp, senior business management major, said he has enjoyed the formal events that were held in the past. “Its worth it to me,” said Sapp. “We pay $10 and get a night of good food, good vibes, and good music. It’s nice to see everyone dressed up for a good cause, its definitely a nice change from class and work too.”
Sapp said students should look into more of the events that the Multicultural Center advertises because they contribute to eliminating social “boundaries” and provide students with insight to other cultures.
Keenan Nelson, senior marketing major, said it has been a while since he has attended an event like this one on campus but he had a great time. “The food was really good but it went too fast for me,” said Nelson. “Everybody loves getting fly and taking pictures so I think it’s a great idea to have events like this around campus so we can all come out and have a good time together.”
The event consisted of a performance a multiple spoken word – what??? – Jamila, poems, and dance pieces by students from around campus.
Channise Ortega, junior psychology major and President of OLAS, said she was most excited for the spoken word pieces that were performed, but also couldn’t wait to get on the dance floor. “OLAS are proud to be a part of this event,” said Ortega. “It gives us another chance to collaborate and interact with the other cultural groups around campus in a relaxed environment. We hope everyone leaves here inspired by the speakers and moved by the poetry.”
Ortega said she thinks events like this will help lead to the breaking down of barriers on campus for students. “We’re bringing everyone together,” said Ortega. “No matter who you are, what color you are, or where you came from we’re all here to have a good time. We want everyone to be more aware that Southern is a ‘homey’ place and family environment.”
Adrian Gardner, senior communications major and treasurer of BSU, said the event wouldn’t have happened without teamwork. “No one really had an assigned role,” said Gardner. “We all just helped each other out when we needed it and it turned out great.”
Davante Mallard, sophomore management major and member of BSU, said he hopes the students who came out have taken notice of the type of event they organized and how it differs from a lot of other gatherings that he’s seen in the past.
“Everybody knows that a lot of the parties they go to can get ‘ratchet,’” said Mallard. “We want to create more elegant events where people can come dressed up and look nice while networking.”
Mallard said he sees the event growing in the future. “Hopefully everyone who came out spreads the word at how successful the event was,” said Mallard. “I’m a dreamer so I really see this event expanding.” “You never know what you’re going to find here,” said Gardner. “Come out, learn something, and see what our multi cultural groups are all about.”
