Joseph Lanier / Trilogy

Aidya Celestin, Contributing Writer

Ariana Brown gracefully took the crown as Miss UDC 2011-2012. The Mass Media Television Production major from Brooklyn New York donned her dazzling smile while receiving her crown as Miss UDC 2011 November 15 at the Vann Ness auditorium. Unlike last year’s queen, Ariana had the advantage of being judged by her student body who she win over which her brains and beauty. Ariana astonished voters at the showcase with her dramatic monologue and inspirational speech on education and the economy.  The runners up were Ciara Robinson and Vanessa Garley. Parading down the auditorium aisle with poise, she sat in an astonishing satin white gown embellished with a red bow as she was crowned by former Miss UDC 2010 Joanna Preston.

“Be prepared to fill my size nine heels because your journey starts now” Preston told the newly crowned queen. As an active member of the University’s Student outreach program, Ariana’s platform for the year will highlight Communication, Positive Action and Equal Change. “All it takes is communication and positivity to make a change,” says Brown. “The competition was a wonderful experience that definitely got me outside of my comfortable box, allowing me an experience I would forever cherish as a growing and maturing young woman” says Brown of her experience competing for her crown.

To progress her platform, Brown will initiate and support programs that educate students about campus awareness and issues significant to them. “I believe that Ariana will excel as miss UDC, her vision is strong.” Says Ariana’s fellow classmate Bianca Warren. Tremendous talents featuring a talented dance number by the UDC dance group and a soulful song performed by Gina Rose introduced Brown. The evening hosts were Dr.Professor Jowers and USGA president Tolu Onasanya. Other appearances included Miss DC Belleza Latina Vanessa Alcantara and organizational Queens accompanied by escorts. As Miss UDC Ariana plans to work with the USGA and campus groups in redeveloping defunct student organizations. She will receive a one-year scholarship along with $500 in gifts.

Want to see more photos from Homecoming 2011? Click here!

Alyse Kelly / Trilogy

MARYLAND- Everyday people was an idea behind Darlene Curtis’ Vintage Fashion Show. “I love vintage clothing, I love the era that I believe the vintage came out of, the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s.” Darlene says that models were selected on a basis of “everyday people,” and that she did not necessarily want a size two model, because everyday people are not a size two.

Jerome Curtis (Darlene’s husband) and Darlene came all the way from Delaware to present their first fashion show in Maryland at Mid County Community Recreation Center. A portion of the proceeds go towards an entity for disadvantaged youth.

Jerome was a DJ for the event and he says that the music line up was a mixture of up tempo and old school hip-hop.

There were different categories for the clothing such as, classic wear, business wear, evening dresses, and wedding dresses.

Prior to the start of the show, Kendra Bryant says, “I think it’s a very nice set up, I like how they have the mannequins dressed up with the hats and the vintage outfits. I mean, I’m a hat person so I like the hats.”

“It’s very interesting, I was hoping to see a stage where they’d walk across, but everything else is nice…. oh, the outfits on the mannequins are gorgeous!,” says Joy Sharps in regards to her initial reaction to the set up of the show.

“I think it’s very nice, she (Darlene) has it nicely arranged, I just love everything, the way she has made it so stylish,” Sheila Nivens added.

Attendee Doretha Clark has a granddaughter in the fashion show. She says that she is very excited to she her granddaughter perform, given that it will be her first time actually witnessing her model. “You have a lot of options, vendors, and the seating looks nice,” Doretha said in anticipation of the show.

Darlene stood behind the screen of Roman style pillars, which created a classic feel silhouette. She crouched down low placed both hands on her knees, she got up pointed to each side of the room,  then brushed her shoulders off… the music began playing, “I’m Coming Out,” by Diana Ross. She abruptly walked around the silhouette. Darlene wore a full set fur, tan pants and red stilettos. The richness of the fur did her petite frame and height justice. She swayed from side to side at her arrival to the end of the run way.

Sophomore, Dominique Burton, of Woodrow Wilson High School was a model in the show. She says the process of preparing the show dealt a lot of hard work. Dominique says that her favorite piece she wore was a zebra print dress with a purple tie.

A question and answer session took place during intermission. “What’s your favorite piece?,” Ana Marie would ask different audience members.  In addition, there was live entertainment, a photo booth, vendors and refreshments available. A trio sung, “Got To Be There,” by The Jackson 5.

Just to name a few garments there were cream suites, swing coats, mink coats, cashmere sweaters, hunter plus feathered hats, strapless tops, jumper pants suits, riding pants and interchangeable outfits.

“If you hold on to anything long enough it will come back,” said the host.

Laughter and smiles filled the room; neighbors greeted each other, every seat was filled and a few people were even seat less. The outfits were gorgeous and accentuated each model’s frame. Well done, fashionista Darlene!

November 16, 2011

MANHATTAN— Regional music sensation (the pride of Brooklyn) The UpperClass Men opened for national recording artist Patrick Stump’s SOLD OUT concert at the three leveled lower Manhattan venue The Studio at Webster Hall … and they rocked!

This concert was the culmination and finale performance of the, October 18^th, release of Patrick Stump’s solo project entitled Soul Punk.   

Spunky, lead mic and founding member of The UpperClass Men, Hollis H.D. offered to be opening acts for Patrick at his concert finale and they were given approval by his agent.

Given that the two musicians follow one another on Twitter, Hollis got in contact with Patrick. From that day forward the two musicians would sometimes interact via Twitter. One day, Patrick tweeted about how; he would soon perform in New York for his tour finale. Hollis instantly replied to him about how if Patrick and his band did not have an opening act that The UpperClass Men would be more than happy to open for them.…. and the rest was history!

Just before starting their set, Hollis informed every one of UCM, “If you haven’t heard of UpperClass Men yet, I guarantee you will know who we are by the end of our performance,” he exclaimed. Two of several songs the band performed entitled “Chuck Norris,” and “Monroe” were crowd favorites.  In addition, to their own songs they also covered, Pavlove, a song by Fall Out Boy, which really got the crowd moving.

In acknowledging the size of the crowd, shortly before their exit The UpperClass Men got everyone to do the, “wave.”

A bystander, whose first time it was seeing UCM perform, says she was impressed and that they definitely kept her attention.  Even after the fact that The UpperClass Men were packing they received additional cheers, “Woah! Yeah UpperClassmen I love you guys,” a fan yelled. 

The UpperClass Men say that if given the opportunity, they would accept the invite to perform again with Patrick but instead at a larger venue and together in songs.

The following performance would be Patrick Stump. Due to technical difficulty intermission took slightly longer than expected.

Nonetheless Patrick Stump arrived; he and his band began their set. A run-down of all the many songs performed were the following, “Let’s Dance/ Spotlight/Porcelain,”  ”Everybody,” “Cute Girls,” “Allie,”   “Bad Side of 25,” “This City,” “Run Dry/ Crypto,” “Explode,” “ Drum Solo/ In The Air Tonight,” and last but not least “I” In Lie. These songs were catchy; the instruments summed them up greatly. The lyrics had significant meaning behind them, such as in the song “Dance Miserable,” in which Patrick Stump takes on particular political issues. The set performed kept the crowd on their feet. There was shucking, there was jiving, there was rocking and there was head nodding from the performers and the crowd itself.

Shortly before Patrick Stump’s exit he walked into and indulged the front, center of the crowd. The crowd enjoyed it; people began hugging him, and yanking on him left and right. He closed the show with his performance of, “This City is my city and I love it….” The crowd mouthed the lyrics to this song verbatim.

After the show there was merchandise sold. The UpperClassmen and Patrick Stump merchandise was sold at reasonable prices. The UpperClassmen shirts went for $10 and an EP of their live performance from CMJ was $8. Furthermore, Soul Punk and Patrick Stump graphic t-shirts were $20 apiece. The Soul Punk cd sold for $15. Afterwards, Patrick Stump did a meet & greet plus signing for his fans.

The entire concert was phenomenal! Each performer gave it their all and as a result they were parched and their faces gleamed with sweat. The music line up flowed well and the smoke filmed room, plus stage lighting gave leeway to a picture-perfect scenery. With that said, the concert ended on a good note. Major props to The UpperClass Men and Patrick Stump on such a successful show!

SXC

By Maddox Frost

As the temperature begins to drop and the leaves begin to change colors, it seems a light switch flips in the minds of many people. The attitudes of being free and flirty in the Summer time no longer appeal to the masses of men and women. Thus begins what is known as Cuffin’ Season, the period of time in which people decide to (briefly) put away their status of being single like their favorite pair of shorts for consistent warmth and hanky panky. Typically beginning in late October and commencing in late February, Cuffin’ Season has become a stable in the minds of many men. My brothers, I must let you all know, do not fall for the trap of Cuffin’ Season.

I cannot factually say that Cuffin’ Season is something created by a woman somewhere, but it certainly does seem like a master plan of trickery, so ingenious, that now men are the people who are just as excited, if not more excited about the season as women. The whole concept promotes using other people. From man’s standpoint, we like the idea of being monogamous for a couple of months so we have a steady person to have sex with, possibly get a meal from, and stay warm with during the cold months until we wants to be single again once it gets warm outside and girls wear less. However, Women are truly the ones who benefit from the season. A woman decides to entertain a guy so she has someone to cuddle and keep warm with and have sex with (because women enjoy it too) during the cold months and have someone buy her gifts for Christmas and Valentine’s Day, until it starts to get warmer and she can look for a better option. The season essentially is about what a person can get out of someone else as opposed to what they can give in a committed relationship. It does not seem equally beneficial, but when people are getting used, things rarely are.

Not all women are users and abusers (and victims) of Cuffin Season, some are just as annoyed with it as I am. For ladies and gents who really enjoy going out with someone special, PDAs like holding hands and really spending time with someone but refusing to just shack up with anyone, it gets annoying seeing a multitude of temporary relationships all around only to see people become single the last week of February like clockwork. Nevertheless, for the sake of all those who decide to participate in the yearly tomfoolery, just remember this one thing: Wrap it up and remember to get tested, because a lifelong gift is not worth 5-6 months of recklessness

The hyped DJ got the crowed going as he played throwback songs accompanied by video amped the audience. He joked around, shouting out different classes, but the seniors seemed to be the most hyped. They danced in the middle of the aisles and payed tribute to the late great Heavy D as they did the running man.

First act was UDC’s own, Gina Rose. The students were going wild as the DJ introduced her to stage, he could barely finish the intro. Dressed in all black with vibrant pink popping shoes, she performed her own written song, “Feels so good.” The students sang along as she kept the crowd’s attention with her acapella songs.

In between breaks, the DJ played music to keep the crowd energetic. Tamika Love Jones, a local artist and YahZarah, were the two to precede Kindred Family Soul. They were amazing as each performer had contrasting vocal ranges and enviably chic style.

Kindred The Family Soul, husband and wife duo sang as students nodded their head and snapped their fingers as they sang along as well. “I am a huge fan of Kindred Soul, I just love the way they love each other because it brings out the passion in their performance,” Jerome Lewis of Washington D.C. says.

“WIND ME UP CHUCK,” the crowd chanted in a melody for Chuck Brown, ‘The God-Father of go-go’ to come to the stage. Brown came out with his guitar, still bopping and boogieing at 75 years old. UDC students got to be a part of an experience that will be talked about for many years to come, Brown and Kindred Family Soul shot a video for a song on their upcoming album.

“I enjoyed myself throughout the entire concert, especially when a legend to D.C., Chuck Brown came out,” a UDC sophomore said.

The overall results of the concert were great and commendable. Getting feedback from some of the students and their thoughts are an important factor for improvement. “The turnout was good but if we had more mainstream artist that are relevant now, I know the turnout would have been better,” says a senior of UDC. “Although it wasn’t that much of a delay, timing is everything and if you say something is going to start at a certain time, then that’s what it should be,” senior Latavia Walston said “I enjoyed myself the entire time, especially when the DJ played old school songs,” Walston added.

By the time the lights came on the crowd was still amped, exhausted and mystified, and as hoards of people exited the auditorium there was only a quiet buzz of conversation. It seemed like everyone was in a daze of the beautiful chanteurs.

Want to see more photos from Homecoming 2011? Click here!

Antoine Wood/UDC USGA | wwwAntoineWood.com

May 21^st: UDC Leadership Retreat reflection

When I wrote the article last year about lack of advertising at an outstanding Homecoming concert, I had no idea what door I had opened for myself. If I was not sure before, I am sure now, that I am one of the student leaders on campus. W hile in Ocean City, MD for 4 days I was able to finally put my ideas for a great Homecoming down on paper;

some ideas of my own, other ideas coming from the other student leaders. To say the least, I am really looking forward to the next six months. Though I know there will be hard work required, the result would be worth it.

June 20^th: The Planning

There are many procedures you have to deal with just to be able plan an event as a student at UDC. This was some sort of a struggle, especially as feeling though you are planning something but cannot talk contracts with people you would like to reach out to. By contracts, I mean I not allowed asking booking agencies the prices for particular artists because that is speaking for the University and since Homecoming is not being paid out of my pocket that is understood. The dates for Homecoming are established, but at this point, they made end up changed. Some people are feeling left out of the festivities, and I really want a “Homecoming Game” to be one of the focuses of the week. I am still trying to get my committee together, though it is proving to be somewhat difficult. I hope that everything can come in place soon, because I hope after Labor Day, the only thing left to do is advertising.

July 27^st: The “Other” Committee

So apparently, I missed some sort of memo, as there are essentially two Homecoming Committees. There is the Student Committee, which I create and lead. Then there is the Faculty and Administrator Committee, composed of the Co-Chairs of Homecoming and other people who have actual power to get things done and put in place. I had been attempting to get a meeting to sit down and talk with administrators about dates, and location, and the plan I wanted to set forth, but I learned it had not taken place because the Faculty and Administration Committee needed to be created yet. I guess that means getting Homecoming completely planned by Labor Day is out of question. Balancing School, Homecoming, and my new job will pose some issues.

August 25^th: Countdown to Homecoming begins

We, as in the entire committee decided to go ahead with planning Homecoming to take place between November 12 and November 18. The dates are ones I came up with upon learning the first home basketball game of the season will be on the 12^th, and the Alumni Dinner Dance taking place on November 18, this way everyone can feel included. The Theme for Homecoming will be decided via vote by the students, and hopefully will pique the interest of students to becoming invested in the planning process. Planning for specific events such as The Concert and The Step Show is in full swing now. The weekly meetings every Friday are becoming more and more productive and we are finally getting things done. The framework for Homecoming is coming to shape, and hopefully the events will reflect how much hard work goes into them.

September 25^th: Reaching out to others

There have been some snags along the line in making Homecoming as great as it can be, and a lot of the issues deal with money. I really do not want to exclude anyone from Homecoming, but it is a tad bit unfair that when you ask certain people for their help and funds for Homecoming they are uncooperative. As a student, I really do not want to deal with the politics, but I will say that sometimes excluding yourself from others does a disservice to you.

The Step Show is my personal project in the grand scheme of Homecoming, as wanted to see if I could really plan it. After submitting a contract and rules and regulations, I am just waiting on “The Powers That Be” to approve the contract so it may be sent to local step teams. Getting people from other schools to participate in an event on your campus is something that needs to be planned early, and we are really cutting it close. Regarding the concert, I tried to create a concert that would appease the wide demographic of UDC students, but would also entice people from other college campuses and residents of DC to want to attend. We are hoping to get Chrisette Michelle to headline our Homecoming Concert, along with 2-3 other artists, a complete show that will fit under our budget. The possibility of us getting her to perform is becoming closer to a reality, and the company we are working with is really being helpful throughout the entire process. In other news, The Co-Chairs of Homecoming are really the perfect people for this job. I am not always the most consistent person, but when everything finally comes in place, it is really going to be because of them.

October 30^th: Less that A Month Away a.k.a. I Hate Soul Train

Homecoming is almost here, and to be honest, my excitement has waned a little bit. We finally received the contract approved to send out for the Step Show, but because of timing, some groups were not able to have a team represent them or have other important things going on. It is completely understood; just looking back on the time things could have been worked out. We were 24 hours away from having Chrisette Michelle headline UDC’s Homecoming. We received a call from the company we were working with on obtaining artists saying that the day we were sending out the contract to her, The Soul Train Music Awards called her to do a tribute performance the same day as our concert. We established a show regardless, but it was somewhat of a letdown for that to happen after being so close. Regardless of everything that has happened, I learned a lot from the process.

By the time anyone reads this, I hope everyone enjoyed “UDC Homecoming 2011. Firebird Nation: The Rise.”

Joseph Lanier/Trilogy

I hustled my way over to building 47 for UDC’s annual fashion show. It was said to start at 7:00 pm, so I left the Trilogy office at 7:15 sharply, as I tend to adhere to the concept of being ‘fashionably late’. The crowd had gathered in the vestibule area of the gym and had already broken down on a cellular level: the jock-types sat on the stairs craning their necks at attractive girls entering the building, and the kids working on their ‘freshman 15’ were lined up for an odd combination of popcorn, cotton candy…and condoms. Lastly, there was a steady stream of students who made a bee line right for the photo station.

The station was set up similar to the ones you see at mediocre nightclubs, but it was made irresistible by one key factor: you could get your photo put on white tee for free-ninety-nine. I stood and watched a plethora of poses that probably originated in the southeastern portion of Washington, D.C. and then decided to hop in on the action myself. At about 7:20, everyone began filing into the gym. We were made to arc around a large portion of the gym to the area where seating was, because the fashion show only utilized a little less than half of the large space. As I made my way to my seat, I took into account that a lot of effort went into the set-up of the runway, and the event was well-attended, with all available seats occupied 15 minutes before the show began. The section of guys behind me didn’t mind standing. Trigger fingers were poised on camera phones as the more eager guys awaited the inevitable wardrobe malfunctions that are, and have always been, the trademark of college fashion shows.

At 7:47, in came the smoke. It traveled leisurely down the length of the runway, greeting the tips of the protruding feet of those who sat on the inner rows. The host of the show strolled out with a black Valentino dress that looked elegant from the front, and somewhat raunchy in the back. Maybe that was foreshadowing, because my thoughts on her dress were somewhat parallel to my thoughts on the entire evening: though the show attempted to adhere to its ambitious theme, at least one portion of the show was definitely caught in 2005-esque time warp. Baby tees, tights and heels do not constitute an urban look, no matter who is wearing it, so that portion of the show ran like an old Nelly video. At least, it did make the rest of the show’s designs appear far more imaginative in comparison.

I tried to remind myself to focus more on the designs than the models, and it would have been a far better show if the models would’ve subscribed to that principle as well. Some models were so ostentatious with their runway form, the clothing was downplayed. Adjusting and tugging of barely-there clothing during the walking was distracting as well. Hey, if it doesn’t fit, you ‘musta’quit. I could bullet-point the other things that I felt were lacking from this show, but I won’t. There is always room for improvement, and what’s most admirable is that the show was well-attended, the performance was agreeable, and the crowd seemed to have enjoyed themselves as well.

The designers that stood either proudly or primly in the audience beamed as the models sashayed their designs amidst cheers, applause—and some inappropriate comments. So who was most fashionable? Cote Minou is definitely one of the stars of the evening. She was so sharply dressed, I remarked in passing that perhaps she should give the runway a try, to which she timidly replied ‘I’m just a designer.’ Touché.

As I exited the gym, I spotted one of the models from the show. She was still in full makeup and a skintight black mini-dress, but she had switched from the death defying platform stilettos and had decided to take advantage of the last bit of popcorn. She had also stopped holding her stomach in, and was smacking her lips loudly as she chewed. I must’ve stared a bit long, because she shot me a nasty glance and rolled her eyes. I love UDC.

Want to see more photos from Homecoming 2011? Click here!

It’s your freshman year in college. You are up all night cramming for exams and bingeing on potato chips, energy drinks and cookies. The next thing you know, it’s morning and time for exams.  Humbly you walk into your classroom, sit down, and pull out your pen.  Your instructor passes you the exam. You close your eyes, take a deep breath, and begin to peruse the exams for the easiest questions first. Only one problem, you cannot answer any of them. You have draw a blank. Twenty minutes in and still nothing comes to mind; scrambling, you begin to write down anything you remember from class lectures. The instructor calls out, “put your pens down and pass your papers up.”  With a grievous sign, you put your pen down, realizing that you may have just failed the test.

The reality is, no one really wants to take an exam. Unfortunately, they have become an essential part of measuring student performance, evaluating student progress, and are very much a part of determining a student’s success in a college or university. Equally as important to a student’s success are healthy eating habits, daily doses of sunlight (Vitamin D), reduced stress, exercise, and of course, sleep. Yes, it is true that a healthy mind is a reflection of a healthy body, and overall, college life can be a more rewarding experience if students learn to work good habits into their
theirtheir routine.

Healthy Eating

Healthy eating habits are essential to human performance; and the first step in maintaining a healthy diet is too eat a wide variety of whole foods daily, because different foods contribute different nutritional values to the body and mind. Fruits, legumes, vegetables, and grains should comprise the bulk of the diet; and if boosting your memory is essential, surprisingly, eating blueberries, a tasty, low-glycemic superfood,  improves short-term memory because they are a major source of flavonoids (Vitamin P). Flavonoids are antioxidants that appear to help to naturally shield cells from the effects of toxins.

The muster family of vegetables, including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, radish, turnips are very beneficial. Green leafy vegetables: spinach, kale, and collards are also beneficial in fueling the body because they also contain healthy amounts of vitamin E, an antioxidant that is believed to help fight chemicals produced by the body that can damage cells.

Vitamin D (Sunlight)

No one knows like a student the important role that memory plays in taking exams. So why not do everything possible to protect it. Whether in a supplement form or just sitting in the sun to rejuvenate, Vitamin D boosts memory capacity.

 Ginkgo (short for Ginkgo biloba) leaves are also used to boost mood, enhance memory and concentration, just to name a few uses. Taken taken in conjunction with Gotu Kola leaf will yield even better results. Ginkgo leaves are sold as tea, and extracts of ginkgo are added to liquids, tablets and capsules. It also contains flavonoids, thought to have healing and antioxidant properties.

Stress Management

Some medical experts believe that severe stress lasting weeks or months can impair cell communication in the brain’s learning and memory region. Ten minutes of a relaxation technique like meditation or yoga will help to re-harmonize the mind and body. In general, students should try not to take on too many projects at once or stress over being stressed.

Exercise

In the last decade it has become clear that regular moderate exercise beneficially affect brain function and boosts brain power by stimulating the formation of new brain cells. It can also aids in managing the stress that comes with the pressure of college life.

Sleep

Sleep is necessary for the body to rejuvenate itself,  for the brain to process and consolidate knowledge, and for memories to form. Not only does the lack of sleep interfere with a student’s ability to concentrate during class but it also negatively impacts performance on exams.

It is important for students to understand that the body functions as a whole and with the addition of a few important components of a healthy lifestyle—a nutritional diet, getting enough sleep, and regular exercise, college can be very rewarding life experience.

Sources and References

How to Boost Brain Power.  eMedExperts. http://www.emedexpert.com/tips/brain.shtml.

Llila Africa. African Holistic Health.

Kelli A. Cook. The Relationship Between a Healthy Lifestyle and College Students’ Grade Point Averages.  http://clearinghouse.missouriwestern.edu/manuscripts/488.php.

Photo: Kelly Jones/Trilogy

DC has been beset by protesters in the same vein as the Occupy Wall Street Movement for the last few weeks. The protesters in DC have not garnered the same attention as their counterparts. To be honest, I’m a bit surprised that more wasn’t made of their arrival. There are a lot of elements at work and since I only have a passing interest (a morbid one, at that) in this new gaggle of malcontents, I don’t really wish to know all the dynamics that separate Occupy DC from Occupy Wall Street.

What I do know is this. The ire from the Occupy Wall Street movement is much easier to aim than it is for the Occupy DC Movement. Even though both movements are pushing for a more equitable and transparent financial system (among other things), there is a fundamental difference. We didn’t elect the chairman of Goldman Sachs, or JP Morgan, or Frannie Mae. We have no say in whom they pick to govern their companies and unless one happens to be a shareholder, we have very little say over their internal conduct.

We, on the other hand, did elect the entirety of Congress and the President and while we can blame a lot on appointees, the fact of the matter is that appointees come from elected officials (who we picked). Wall Street can keep us in the dark but government is surprisingly transparent if you’re willing to look. Want to know what your local politician is doing? Look up his voting record. Want to know his contributors? Look at his PAC’s donor records. Want to know what Congress is talking about right now? Turn on C-Span. Want to know what’s really in that scary new law that’s being proposed? Google it.

Sadly, there are some who view both protest movements with equal weight. This is unfair to both parties. It gives Occupy DC too much credit and Occupy Wall Street too little. The protests in NY are against entities that we have little control over but yet have undue control over us. Occupy DC is more of an indictment against the apathy and ignorance of the American voter than anything else; all of which makes their mini tent city struggle look pathetic. If these same people who traveled across the country to camp out and gripe don’t vote next November, their little exercise will be even more vain than it has proven so far. If you’re the 99%, then vote like it. Paging Occupy Wall Street: you left your kids in McPherson Square. Please come get them.

WASHINGTON—Today was the University of the District of Columbia’s 160th anniversary celebration! The event kicked off on the soccer field with a t-shirt handout. There was food, live entertainment, activities, vendors, informational booths, and an overall sense of togetherness. Although there was a power shortage, in which there were inclusions where no music for a length of time occurred. However, people continued casually socializing and joining activities.

“This is really nice, it’s a great event. We’re socializing with people from different departments and getting the athletic department’s name out there,” says Sandra Smith, an administrative assistant, and Chris Yortso, an intern of the University’s athletic department. Sandra and Chris both shared an information table and passed out pamphlets about their department.

A friendly game of tug of war was played and was themed, “Athletes vs. Greek life.”  Senior Teraesa M. Holland, who is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated says, “Tug of war definitely has it! I got a battle scar, Greek life won! I’m looking forward to meeting more students and seeing unification.  It’s a lot of people I’ve never seen here before; it’s a great gathering and networking,” she exclaimed.

In addition to the events for students to compete in were Tug of War, a Moon Bounce and a Dunk Tank Challenge.

“I got dunked in the tank six or seven times. I mean it’s all in the name of fun I want for students to have a good UDC experience, not just today but throughout the rest of the school year as well,” Purvis Rollins, a senior, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, and a participant of the Dunk Tank Challenge states. Purvis says that since he is a graduating senior this year, this will be his last “Back to School Barbeque” as a student and that he wants it to be memorable.

Three juniors Jessica Nelson, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, Berril Nekesa and Kadiata Sull feel a sense of belonging while at this event and also comfort. This feeling is not something normal with many students to feel like this right away within the first month of school.

Roman Tanner, another senior, says he is looking forward to grouping everyone together, to take a break from classes, and for them to come and enjoy themselves. “I’m sure that the live entertainment will light the spot,” states Roman about his anticipation of the DMV’s iconic, premiere go-go band, Rare Essence.

“I like the environment, the atmosphere, the amount of students that showed up, especially since people came out although it was postponed to this day,” says Shea Ellis the President Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated.

Another member of Phi Beta Sigma Incorporated, Noel Richey, a student of the esteemed school of business at the University of the District of Columbia, said “This is like a fellowship for students. I like everyone coming together and I also saw a couple of alumni brothers of the University; it was very organized.”  Noel also says that the 4.0 Lounge staff and the Student Government Association (USGA) did an excellent job at such a successful event.

Alison Rubin, academic advisor/adjunct faculty member, devoted her entire day to volunteering at the event, assisting people with registration and directing the crowd. She says that she is anticipating the free food and that she is also glad to see that people of the community can come together in a way that is relaxed, not in a classroom or an auditorium. “People are goofy, and they’re eating, they’re at the dunking tank booth, and they’re doing it with not just students, but with administrators and teachers also.” Ms. Rubin comments.

Dayar Brown, a freshman, says that he is excited to meet Fonzworth Bentley because he admires his unique style. “Through this event I’m learning public speaking skills and networking skills.” he says.

Musician and author Fonzworth Bentley, was the host of the “Back to School Barbeque.” He is widely known for his sense of gentlemen and women’s fashion.  Fonzworth shares pointers on how college students who are looking to dress comfortably and still look fashionable can do so. “Clothing is language, so before you’ve opened your mouth you’ve really already said so much!” He is encouraging students try out vintage shops, to purchase pants suits, and also blouses as young and upcoming professionals.

Fonzworth, who is all about etiquette, also mentioned his most recent book entitled; Advance Your Swagger (How to Use Manners, Confidence, and Style to Get Ahead) in which he talks about the fifteen must haves in the women’s closet and the fifteen must haves in the men’s closet.

The inspiration of Fonzworth’s style comes from the admiration of his great grandfather and a twist of bold colors. “My great grandfather is probably the most elegant man who walked this planet! He was the type of gentleman that always had a fedora: the fedora is the hat that Mike [Michael Jackson] wears in Billie Jean!  He was a deacon in the church, he always had a cane or an umbrella with him.” says Fonzworth. He also stated that he admired the way his grandfather was respected and the way folks respected him, which left a big impression of him.

With great emphasis and profound insight he says “A pioneer looks crazy before they hit dry land! At the time when I started in the industry, everyone was wearing white t-shirts and jerseys, you know? I really stood out.”

Freshman Shatise Edwards enjoys the opportunity to win prizes and to interact with different organizations at the University to talk about HIV awareness and energy efficiency; she iswas also anxious to see Rare Essence perform.

After much anticipation from staff, students, and community members, there was the Boom! Then the Tat! Then the Boom, Tac, Ka-BoomBoom!

As Rare Essence peered into the crowd, then at one another, they prepped their instruments and then they began – the show started. One of the front men, Shortz, kicked it off with, “Hey here go!” and Andre “Whiteboy” Johnson followed up with “Say what, say what, say what?!” The music echoed throughout the campus. They set the tone for the event by playing their first song, which was Party With Me. Rare Essence has a direct influence culturally and historically to the music culture specific to the Washington Metropolitan area.

Rare Essence performed a number of songs, which include two of their most popular “Overnight Scenario” and “Body Snatchers.” Fonzworth Bentley joined in and did a cover of Christopher Wallace’s (Biggie Smalls) song “Hypnotize” but with his on twist of inclusions of his style of dress.

Andre “Whiteboy” Johnson who is manager of Rare Essence, lead guitarist and mic says that the inspiration behind picking certain songs for the crowd was because they knew that there would be a diverse group of people, some younger and some older. Andre says that these song line ups were the type of songs everyone would know.

There was even crowd interaction, a fairly sized circled was formed within the mass when three gentlemen began toying around and “beating” their feet. The band gave them props by giving a shout out.   The university’s dance squad also performed which was to Frank Ocean’s Novacane and T-Pain’s Booty Work.

By the end of the event students were interacting with one another snapping pictures, there were fraternities stepping, strolling and chanting.  Fonzworth Bentley and Rare Essence began socializing with everyone and taking pictures with their fans.

As the rain dried up and a peak of the sun in the back drop of the university appeared, there was amidst of tranquil scenery.

The University of the District of Columbia has given staff, students, and community members a wonderful experience. Classes have already begun and this is the start off to a great school year.