SMU’s Omega Psi Phi fraternity held a dinner Friday night honoring the Harlem Renaissance, an African-American cultural movement of the 1920s and ‘30s. “Hilltop Renaissance” included soul food, live jazz and poetry readings.
African-American culture entered mainstream America in the early 1900s. Black musicians, authors, playwrights and poets rose to fame during this time. To commemorate their works, the stage opened up for spoken word.
“The spoken word really gave me goosebumps,” freshman Jaimmy Koroma said. “I really felt what they were saying.”
Held in the Hughes-Trigg Varsity, the event welcomed some 50 alumni, students and their families. The Omega Psi Phi fraternity brothers served the guests Momma O’s soul food as light jazz played in the background. The small Dallas-based family business served pork chops, mashed potatoes, macaroni and pound cake.
“They had everything that we could think of and all of it was cooked to perfection,” senior Omega Kyle Degroat said.
SMU alumnus Mat Houston and his band provided musical accommodations. The jazz trio played continuously for an hour and accompanied students performing during open-mike.
Students sang favorites about love and religion.
“They got up and shared their creative sides with us,” Degroat said.
The music and food portion of the program was met by soft laughter, smiles and photo opportunities. Students wore semi-formal fashion for the “jazz club” setting.
“I posted 110 photos on Facebook,” senior Linwood Fields said.
Students shared original compositions about race, pride and struggle. Several National Pan-Hellenic Council Greek students also read historic pieces from their respective sorority and fraternity alum. Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma and Alpha Phi Alpha were represented.
“It was definitely an honor to site the words of a Great Sigma, a greater man,” Fields, a member for Phi Beta Sigma, said.
Many people enjoyed the laid back atmosphere.
The best part, according to Komora, was “the opportunity to sit [and], relax in a chill atmosphere in the celebration of the Renaissance.”
“When the brothers of Omega Psi Phi get together, we always have a great time,” Degroat said. “Everyone’s reactions were positive.”
Black History Month events will be held on campus throughout the month of February. This week, National Pan-Hellenic Council will be hosting several programs for students to attend. Times, dates and locations are available in SAMSA on the 3rd floor of Hughes-Trigg.
