Dance, music and art were some of the features at the Diversity Celebration hosted by the Ohio University chapter of the NAACP Friday.
A small collection of art by OU students DeOnna Whitfield and Tiffany Southall was on display. The event began with a rendition of the black national anthem Lift Every Voice and Sing sung by female trio Sherelle Roberts, Candice Montgomery and Salina DuBose. OU chapter NAACP Vice President Shannon McNeal then introduced NAACP adviser and keynote speaker Lisa Flowers-Clements, the resident director of the Sargent-Wilson complex.
Flowers-Clements said the meaning of embracing diversity is to take all different parts of a whole and include them equally.
Only half of the year diversity is recognized
Flowers-Clements said, She said diversity is compartmentalized and designated to certain days and months of the year.
She said for people to become more informed about different ethnic backgrounds, they need to remove themselves from their own comfort zones.
If you're not LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) go to a meeting. If you're not Latin American go to a Latin dance
she said.
After Flowers-Clements' speech, Tracy Kolp and Mark Calkins from the Jitterbug Club performed two improvised dance numbers. Enyonam Osei-hwere performed next, singing a gospel song from her new album.
Then there was a poetry recitation and a reading by Michael Knowlin II. Female dance trio Angela Patmon, Kelly Hume and Gretchen Ziolek followed the poetry readings with a modern dance routine performed to the tune of the song Crash by Dave Matthews Band.
Next on stage was rap duo Jesty Beatz and GC (aka Golden Child), performing a selection of their songs. OU Tapcats were the last to showcase their talent. Tapcat Brandt Laverick performed a solo act to the song Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin, which drew a standing ovation.
McNeal said the reason for arranging this diverse group of talent was to let people see the different types of people on campus and in the Athens area.
(We wanted) to give a taste of what Athens has to offer
McNeal said.
The money made from the $3 admission charge will go toward the funding of more speakers and community service projects.
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Erin McCarty
