The talents in Baton Rouge are as diverse as the people who compose the city, and LSU’s chapter of the NAACP is proving that. Tuesday night, the NAACP hosted an array of performers at the annual Showtime at the Cotillion in the Union Ballroom.
Showtime at the Cotillion showcased 15 different acts, featuring students from both LSU and Southern University.
“It’s a good way to bring the two schools together and showcase talents,” said Markita Hawkins, NAACP chairperson for the event and psychology sophomore. “We have rap groups, singers, dance groups, poetry – everything.”
Howard “the Comedian” Hall, Southern University graduate and a regular headliner at The Funny Bone comedy club, hosted the event.
“I expect the good, the bad and the ugly,” Hall said prior to the show. “I encourage the booing from the audience because if they don’t boo, then someone is going to get up there and think they have talent and are going to go out and perform and get booed on a national level.”
The dance group “Legacy,” who performed at the event, said it appreciated the opportunity to showcase its talent to the community.
“We’re the best,” said dance group founder Brettany Bell. “We made Showtime what it is.”
Josh Franklin, undecided sophomore, said this was his first year to attend Showtime at the Cotillion. “It’s good because it gets everyone to come together,” Franklin said.
Hawkins said this is the University chapter’s only fundraiser this year. Prizes, which were awarded to the best performers of the night, were donated from local restaurants and companies.
Cinnamon Davis, anthropology junior and treasurer of the University NAACP chapter, said the money raised at the event will go to help fund the Image Awards.
“The Image Awards are to honor people who do good work in the community,” Davis said.
The event organizers also sought to get students active on a political level.
Throughout the showcase, the NAACP allowed students to register to vote. Jared Avery, psychology junior and the University’s chapter parliamentarian, said anyone can stop by the African American Cultural Center at any time to register to vote.
 
Contact Kelly Caulk at [email protected]