Shippensburg University students met at Memorial Auditorium on Feb. 28 to give tribute to Black artists and culture through dance and lip-sync performances in front of a panel of four faculty judges. Two SU students, Tymere Harris and Amaya Lawson, hosted the event.  

Celebrating the heartbeat of their culture through music, the event was used to honor creativity, talent and the undeniable flavor that music brings to the Black experience, Harris said. 

Imyree Teal started the showcase with a moving poem, requested by her best friend for her birthday. Teal shared the hardships that come from being a brown kid in white America, saying the need for a more open-minded and equal world, since we are all here in this world together. No one must feel unwelcome because of irrationally placed divides.

As the music was about to start, Lawson said the artistic expression and lip-sync magic brought the sound to life, told stories, fueled joy and united the community. It was now time to get ready to vibe, sing along, laugh and feel every moment. 

First through third place were awarded by the judges after much debate over the performances. 

First place was awarded to Shamere Briggs for Bob Marleys “Three Little Birds.” His performance had the music video in the back while sitting with a guitar and engaging with the crowd, getting them to clap, put their hands up and take out phone flashlights to wave back and forth as the song was ending. 

Second and third place were called forward since the judges had deemed the two to be tied. For a tie breaker, Harris asked the audience to decide based on the loudest cheers for each group. 

Second place was received by Justin Gatewood and Gueladio Diallo for showcasing Usher and R. Kelly’s song “Same Girl.” An energetic routine with movement and dance choreography ensued, with the audience getting to laugh at the comedic parts they leaned into during the song. 

Third place was taken by Jaelynn Lewis and Kamryn Wilkerson for “Me and You” by Coco Jones and Tyler James Williams. They acted out the tale throughout the song and started by entering from the back of the auditorium and closed the song by walking back down the aisle to the exit. 

Featured lip-sync and dances were done regarding artists including The OMG girlz, Coco Jones and Tyler James Williams, Chris Brown, the Temptations, Bob Marley and the Wailers, Destiny’s Child, Usher and R. Kelly and concluded with Will Smith’s “Fresh Prince.”

Except, that was not quite the end. Right before the judging, “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan had every performer on stage together to close out the Black Experience Tribute, letting the participants dance together, giving an energetic end to the showcase.

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