The UH chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has been at work in getting students to partake in the various events they’ve been hosting for several weeks, and while President Jessie Smith urged to keep the theme of “Redefining the Dream,” its fifth annual talent show Thursday evening in the Oberholtzer Ballroom is sure to have helped keep that dream alive.
With nearly 150 students, staff and faculty members in attendance, the event showcased 10 participants who rapped, recited poetry, played music and danced on stage.
Some participants performed original pieces, while others performed to the sounds of Adele, Beyoncé, Maxwell and Frank Ocean.
On the turntables was DJ AudiTory as he played a wide range of hits from artists such as Usher, Juvenile, Chris Brown, T-Pain and Juicy J before the program and during intermission.
UH alumnus Scooter Fluid also opened the show with his spoken word and rap arrangement to get the audience involved and engaged before the acts were introduced.
Programming and Research Chair for UH NAACP Desmond Richardson said he was pleased with the turnout.
“We pretty much filled up the ballroom,” Richardson said. “People came out and supported. It was a good event.”
UH NAACP Secretary Chelsey Watson announced the winners for the talent show.
The first place title was awarded to Whitney Moore, who sang “One Night Only,” a ballad originally performed by Jennifer Hudson during her role from the 2006 hit movie “Dream Girls.”
Sophomore Brandon Allen placed third after battling freshman MC Johnny P. for the second place spot. Brandon performed Elle Varner’s “Refill,” and Johnny P. performed an original freestyle during the tie-breaking session.
“My favorite part of the program was the last performer who did the spoken word. It really touched me,” said biology freshman Irene Ibeabuchi.