Dazzling outfits, intricate choreography and comedic skits have become all but an expectation at Vanderbilt African Student Union’s annual Harambee showcase and this year was no exception. Based on the theme “Unmasked,” the acting portion of the show found the audience trying to uncover what was going on at the fictional university of “Stagetown” where things seemed to be eerily perfect at all times. In between scenes, the show was accompanied by various singing, dancing and fashion acts.
Through these performances, Vanderbilt ASU sought to highlight the diversity and talent present across the African diaspora and represented right here at Vanderbilt. A crowd favorite every year is the majorette dance, which takes inspiration for its choreography from HBCU culture and tradition. Senior Sheeko Ndegwa returned to perform for her fourth year in the majorette dance and served as a captain for her second time.
“We get a new set of girls each year and get to learn and celebrate something that has been a part of HBCU and Black culture for years,” Ndegwa said. “That is something so empowering.”
Junior Chloe Gibson performed in the majorette dance and as part of guest act Nilaja Amari, Vanderbilt’s African Dance Troupe. Despite the time commitment involved in participating in two dances, she found the experience joyful overall.
“My favorite part of the experience was practice,” Gibson said. “I had so many but there was never a dull moment.”
Other guest acts at the show included Vibe, Vanderbilt’s hip-hop dance organization, and Melanated A Capella. Both groups delivered captivating performances demonstrating the range of talent present on Vanderbilt’s campus. Senior George-Adae Mensah serves as the senior advisor for Melanated A Capella and also gave a special singing tribute alongside Senior Jaylen Lee acknowledging the friends and relationships they formed during their four years at Vanderbilt. Adae-Mensah says that it is the sense of community he feels singing alongside his friends and groupmates that gives him the motivation to perform every year and has even encouraged some personal growth.
“Performing with Melanted A Capella for four years has helped me overcome my stage fright,” Adae-Mensah said. “Because I’m performing with a team, I can always look over to another member and feel the support.”
The fashion portion of the show is a highlight every year. This year it featured several different categories including royal and traditional fashion, formal wear and a swimsuit section. Junior Kel’Veon Kelly served as the fashion chair for the show and coordinated all the participants’ outfits as well as coaching them on how to present themselves on stage. During the swimsuit section, the audience even got to engage in the show for a bit as plastic beach balls were tossed around into the crowd.
The show concluded like every year with an emotional senior video in which students could submit clips of themselves to say their final goodbyes and thank yous to the Black Vanderbilt community. This moment made it clear that, for many participants, Harambee represents more than just a show; it is a reinforcement of the strong community and belonging they have found throughout these last four years at Vanderbilt.
“As a Ghanaian-American I get to feel empowered watching a show curated for people who share my identity,” Adae-Mensah said.
At a time when diversity, equity and inclusion efforts are falling under increased scrutiny –– especially within educational institutions –– Harambee offers many students of color at Vanderbilt not just an escape, but an opportunity to bring the richness of their cultures and identities into spaces where they might otherwise go unacknowledged.
“We get to share something like dance, fashion, singing, acting, just performing as a whole in honoring Black culture at a PWI, which is something that is so important,” Ndegwa said.
While Harambee may emphasize the diversity in cultures across the African diaspora, it is clear that the common thread among all of its participants is this sense of belonging the show brings to campus.
