Hundreds of students jammed Paul Robeson Auditorium April 8, 2019, for the university’s annual Hip Hop Awards, sponsored by the Family Community and Leadership in Action group.
“I was so surprised to see that this was a sold out event,” the FCLA president said. “Everybody in my organization worked so hard for this day.”
More than 15 students lip-synced popular songs during the award ceremony. Junior Deja Hendricks performed as singer and R&B artist Aaliyah. She performed five of Aliyah’s songs. “I’m really glad I was able to perform as Aaliyah,” Hendricks said. “She’s always been my favorite singer, and I know all her songs. Last year I was Beyoncé but I enjoyed being Aaliyah better.” Hendricks said that she rehearsed her performance for two months to ensure that her choreography was just right.
Audience members loved the show. “I really enjoyed the show. All the performers did a good job,” student Kennedy Fields said. Fields said she especially enjoyed host Bria “Bri the Bull” Spaulding who kept the crowd entertained.