Back To School BBQ

  Welcome Back Week: UDC Rocks Out

By Taay’lor Laribo

Back To School BBQ

Welcome Back Week for the students of the University of District of Columbia was a success. On Thursday, September 10th he University held a Back to School BBQ partnering with X Factor finalist Marcus Canty and soul garage band, Black Alley, who performed for the festive event. The BBQ was held from 12pm to 4pm and was filled with different local vendors and University organizations.

Interview with Marcus Canty

DMV native, Marcus Canty, sung the house down; and being the triple threat he is, he brought along back up dancers to get the crowd at the BBQ “pumped up.” Two members from the UDC’s Publication staff got the honor of interviewing the young star before his performance.

Canty expressed that being on the X Factor catapulted his career to new heights and made him an even better entertainer. Canty enjoyed working with all the judges including Simon Cowell, even though he was “a little uptight.” When asked how being from the DMV influences his music, Canty replied saying, “it always influences his music”. In addition to studying different artists from the DMV area, he also enjoys listening to old R&B and grabs inspiration from oldies as well. One of his biggest collaborations was with popular hip hop rapper, Wale. “In and Out” featuring Wale, was Canty’s second single (released in 2012). 

Black Alley concluded the BBQ with a diverse performance. The band amazed the University with their sleek sound, and perfectly written selections. With spectators trying to limit Black Alley as a “Go-Go band”; it was plain to see, that the band stepped out of their comfort zone and showed the University that they are not just a Go-Go band, but something unique and different that taps into every genre of music. As local artists, Black Alley, channeled DMV sound and gave the audience something they could relate to and enjoy. The Band was on 93.9 KISS’ “Top 10 Artists in the DMV Area” last year, and with performing around town they have reached new fans across the DMV. The independent labeled band is comprised with 7 members that all formulate one enriched sound.

BBQ 2013 UPSTAGES PREVIOUS BARBEQUES

By Mirchaye Sahlu

UDC hosted its 8th Annual Back to School Barbecue on the Cleveland Dennard Plaza. The plaza was filled with different tables representing some of the schools clubs and organizations as well as outside vendors such as 7 Eleven, Kenyan Jewelry and WKYS 93.6 radio station.

Dr. James Lyons, the Interim President for the University, made a brief welcome speech to the students and staff. He affirmed that he was pleased to be a part of the UDC community this year and that he intends on staying a part of the family.

Charis Hemphrey, senior Journalism major from New York said: “The barbecue is awesome; it’s nice to see everyone out here and the DJ’s are good. Overall, it’s just nice to have a school spirit, that’s what matters most.”

This barbecue’s main objective was not only to bring Flagship students together, but also students from the Community College and David A. Clark School of Law. Nur Mannan, an international student from Malawi and third year law school student said: “I think this barbecue is a fabulous way to get to know undergrad students, get together with friends, and enjoy the good food and all the free stuff provided by the different companies at the vendors table. And, this year is much better; we have a better barbecue compared to last year.”

Megan Stokesberry, California native and part-time law student, “ This year is my first barbecue and I think it’s great, it’s fun. Everyone’s friendly, food’s delicious and it’s a great opportunity for the law students to get to know the undergrad students.”

Taz Mannan, international students from Malawi, Junior, Business management major: “I think the barbecue is well organized this year, the table set-up and the music are appealing. Also, the fact there are other vendors such 7 Eleven and others is a very good attraction. I like this barbecue compared to last year’s, I feel like it’s bringing students closer together, we have more international students this year and it looks more diverse as opposed to last year. Everyone’s sharing their culture and getting to know one another.”

Asked about what made this year’s barbecue more special than last year’s, David Gaston of the  Student Outreach and Leadership office and BBQ organizer, said: “All I can say is organization is the key to planning anything. This year’s barbecue is more vibrant because we took our time to sit down at committee meetings and organize it way ahead of time, and that’s the way it always should be”.

The barbecue not only offered good food and company, but also entertainment. Hosted by Comedian Eddie Bryant, performers like, X-Factor finalist, Marcus Canty and Black Alley rocked the stage on the Plaza. All in all, UDC had a day to never forget.