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New Life Hosts Black Like Me: Growing Up Black

03.03.2021

 On Saturday, Feb. 27, New Life hosted the Black Like Me: Growing Up Black comedy story slam in the Newbold Auditorium. Individuals practiced social distancing. The hosts of this event were Prince Asante (senior, medical lab sciences) and John-Michael Stovall (senior, theology, mathematics). This event was for black individuals to share stories about their culture with others and laugh and learn. On the screen, slides introduced the speakers with information such as their major and an interesting fact.
        Many of the shared stories had practical applications. These include ‘do not share your toothbrush,’ ‘don’t do something grandmother would not approve of’ and ‘don’t get into a car with someone who does not understand your parents' rules.’ Many of these speakers engaged with the audience, asking them how they were doing or having them repeat the phrase “growing up black.”
        Besides stories, there were numerous other amusing activities. During the break, the hosts presented an entertaining Kahoot game for all the attendees to play. There were questions such as "if you go to a buffet with your mother, how old do you tell them you are” and “true or false, are doors allowed to be slammed?" The questions discussed some of the cultural and societal norms that many black people adhered to. Audience members discussed the answers during the answer period. There was also a double-dutch competition and a hula-hoop competition where the hosts selected people from the audience to a friendly competition in those activities. The audience cheered on the selected participants.
        Jonathan Woolford-Hunt (sophomore, sociology) was a participant in the hula-hoop competition. He commented on the competition, as well as his favorite story. “The hula-hoop competition was a great way to interact with the audience, and it was a clever social distance activity. I enjoyed the last story from Chap D (Chaplain Danielle Pilgram) because I have a Caribbean family, and I could relate to the experiences of discipline.”
        Dehkontee Reeves (freshman, pre-physical therapy) was another attendee of the comedy story slam. She enjoyed the close-knit atmosphere which the story slam provided. “I enjoyed that people could relate to the stories, and the comments such as “yeah me too” uttered from the audience solidified that. This event had the audience feeling very nostalgic and cheerful, and there was an overall great mood.”
        Mr. Stovall was one of the hosts of the events. He shared, “The experience was amazing and I was happy that they allowed me to be a part of it. The team is full of love, energy, and great ideas. I felt like I was not putting on a performance, but hanging out with my brothers and sisters.”
        At the end of the event, the hosts thanked Chaplain Pilgrim, New Life, the technical team, and members of the Black Student Christian Fellowship (BSCF) for organizing the event. To end off this celebration of black culture, there was a joyous 15 minute dance party where everyone could dance to upbeat music.