Sam Houston State University’s African Student Association brought home two awards in their first year competing in the 7th annual Baylor Cultural Extravaganza R.O.O.T.S. (Recognizing Our Origin Through Solidarity), in Waco this past Friday and Saturday.
About 250 students attended the competition held in Waco Hall.
The event was hosted by Baylor’s ASA organization to celebrate African culture through dance, poetry, fashion shows and drama.
SHSU’s ASA won two awards, first place in the poetry competition and third place in the fashion show portion of the competition.
Different ASA organizations from several universities throughout Texas competed at the event. They included the University of Texas at Austin, University of Houston and Texas Tech to name a few.
ASA member, Gladys Adegoke performed her first place poem in front of a crowd. Her poem described Africa and how some forget about their roots.
“It was a strong poem standing up for your country of origin,” said Adegoke.
ASA performed twice on Friday.
“We did our dance but people were still filling the seats when we performed at the beginning,” said ASA member, Nya Inyang. “We performed really well, and we were proud of our performance even if not everybody at the event had a chance to see us,” she added.
A special dance performance from Total Dance Explosion, a professional performance group from Dallas, performed as well.
Day two of the celebration kicked off Saturday morning with a roll call.
“We were representing SHSU to the fullest,” said ASA member Jeff Oribhabor. “We were chanting so much until Baylor’s ASA got tired and were asking us to stop.”
ASA won third place in the fashion show portion of the event.
“We were proud of our performance,” said Adegoke. “Even though we were third place in the fashion show, we were still proud of ourselves.” Adegoke added.
A jazz banquet and after party followed the event. Jazz Band ‘The Dunn House Club,’ and poet Bassey Ikpi performed at the banquet.
ASA would like to thank Jennifer Roberts and the office of M.I.S.S. for their support.
ASA meets every Thursday at 6:30 in room 304 of the LSC.
ASA will be performing their dance in the mall area Wednesday in the afternoon and later that night at 7:30 in the LSC ballroom.