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When the lights and music came on to signal the show’s intermission, the floor of the PMAC seemed to move as students formed a dance line. If they didn’t run to the floor, the remaining 200 students danced in their seats.The PMAC was alive with energy Wednesday night as the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the African American Cultural Center put on the 19th annual Harambeé celebration. Harambeé, a Swahili word describing a coming together, is a celebration of student diversity on campus.”I think we need a program to celebrate our diverse campus,” said Bayley Simmons, Student Activity Board’s Black Culture chair. “Harambeé celebrates unity and showcases some of our students.”The welcome celebration began with Tim Mulaula, music senior, singing a powerful rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”After the prayer, Katrice Albert, vice provost for equality, diversity and community outreach, gave a speech espousing responsibility in the African-American community.The evening’s keynote speaker was Jonathan Sprinkles, wspeaker of the year for the National Association for Campus Activities in 2006.Sprinkles’ high-energy speech drew both laughter and applause as he sprinkled his wisdom to the audience with motivational anecdotes and true-life stories. The focus of his talk was the power students have to keep going no matter the obstacles.”Life will not judge you by how many times you get knocked down,” Sprinkles said. “Life will judge you by how many times you get back up.”After a brief, but active, intermission, the event concluded with presentations from the National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Tease. Greek members in the audience responded to their step teams with their signature call-responses. —-Contact Adam Duvernay at [email protected]
Students come together for 19th Harambeé celebration
October 7, 2008