The Black and Latino Student Union, Diversity Action Committee, Damietta Cross Cultural Center, English Department, Greyfriar Living Literature Series, Community Living and Student Activities and Leadership Development all teamed up to sponsor Hip-Hop Week. The week of March 18-22 was a week full of all things hip-hop.
To kick off the 6th annual Hip-Hop Week, Biz Markie spoke to students in the SSU. The Black and Latino Student Union also hosted a hip-hop karaoke on March 20. At the end of the week, the BLSU hosted an expose to celebrate hip-hop on March 22 in the SSU. The event, “Expoze: The Evolution of Hip Hop,” brought various cultures together to showcase the diversity at Siena College. Talent ranged from Irish dancing to poetry readings to singing. Not only did the event benefit students by celebrating everyone’s culture, all proceeds were donated to the Coalition for Homeless Youth in New York. Tickets cost $3 for Siena students and faculty and $5 for outside guests. The organization has created 11 programs to aid those in New York City who have been struggling with this problem.
The performances by students piqued the interest of many, drawing a large crowd to the event. One of the many performances was by the hip-hop club, Chaotick. The students danced to throwbacks like “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys and “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls. Following their routine, a poet took the stage and captivated the audience with his wise words. He asked the question that many can resonate with. A line from the poem, “Sick and Tired” wondered, “I’m tired about hearing boys will be boys. When will they be men?”
During intermission, refreshments of fruit, crackers and cheese were served to hungry students. Following the fifteen minute break, the S.O.L.I.D. Step Team took the stage Other clubs that participated in the event were the Irish Dance Team and the Bhangra Dance Team. Another performance that amazed the audience was one that included Brother George dancing to traditional Colombian music with a fellow student.