By: ASHLEY FOOR
Staff Writer
asfoor@iusb.edu
The Apollo Theater’s Amateur Night played a part in establishing the careers of many up and coming artists, including Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Ella Fitzgerald, during pivotal stages in their careers. Maybe some similar star-in-the-making will emerge at IU South Bend’s version of the event.
From 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, the Black Student Union (BSU) will host their fifth annual Apollo Night, a talent showcase open to all students.
BSU holds the event to celebrate and acknowledge Black History Month. According to BSU president Caderia Strickland, there will be food and prizes for participation in the event.
The Apollo Theater in Harlem reopened in 1934 as a black-oriented establishment, nearly 20 years after it originally opened, according to the theater’s website.
“The reason why it is so important for BSU to host this event every year, is to shed light on Night at the Apollo for allowing people of color to advance. There were not many places that allowed people of color to advance back then,” said Strickland.
The Black Student Union is a student led organization that was established to foster support for and meet the comprehensive needs of African American students, but it is open to all students irrespective of race, creed, color, gender, class and age, according to its Titan Atlas profile.
If you have any questions about the BSU or are interested in joining, please contact Caderia Strickland at cadstric@umail.iu.edu.
