Harlem made its way into Shippensburg on Thursday night in Stewart Hall during “Live at the Apollo,” an annual event hosted by Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) and the Residence Hall Association (RHA) that celebrates Black history and art. The open mic invited students to share their talent in true Apollo style. 

Established in 1913 in the Harlem District of New York City, the Apollo Theater played a major role in the emergence of popular African-American music, such as jazz, swing and R&B. The Apollo was a stepping stone to success for artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. 

Students had the opportunity to enter a raffle for various prizes, the most popular being a record player. If students performed, they were able to add more tickets into the raffle.

RHA President Adam Beam kicked off the event by singing along to the karaoke of Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life.” Pierce Romey read mythological monologues he had written. Madi Shively performed stand-up comedy. One student even performed “Supermarket Flowers” through American Sign Language

“I think this event impacts campus because it helps further educate individuals on Black history and the impact the Apollo Theater had, as it did give Black individuals back then a place to perform their art and a safe space to come together,” Sam Gries, the chancellor of National Residence Hall Honorary, said. “It gives students on campus that opportunity as well.” 

The night came to a close with the raffle for the record player, and students headed to the food table, getting more of the popular mini-cheesecakes. 

“I hope Live at the Apollo has more performers [next year] and I hope it further reaches out to our people of color on campus,” Gries said. “There’s a lot you can do at this event, and I feel like it has a lot of potential to be bigger.” 

To stay up to date on upcoming events on campus, follow MSA and RHA on Instagram @ship_msa and @rha_raiders.

Share