On Thursday, Feb. 20, an organization named B.A.S.E., the Black Artistic Soul Ensemble, decided to host an event free to both the public and to students and faculty at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in order to honor and celebrate Black History Month. 

The event, Rooted in Black Joy, started at 7 p.m. but doors opened at 6:30 p.m. so people could have time to find a seat before the show began. It was located at McLaurin Gym next to the Student Union. 

B.A.S.E. was founded in 2021 by Brittany Benjamin and Dominique Fotenot. The new president of B.A.S.E., LaMya McGee, a senior majoring in dance, spoke on how B.A.S.E. came to be. She stated, “They just wanted to have a space strictly for black dancers to feel safe and be creative without discrimination.” 

McGee also addressed what Rooted in Black Joy was when she commented, “This event is just like a space for black creators to have a concert that’s specifically for us.” 

A member of B.A.S.E., Kristen Sylvester, a freshman majoring in dance, when asked about how being a part of B.A.S.E. made her feel, commented, “It definitely makes me feel like I can be a black girl and dance and still be able to do everything else other people can do. Like, it’s an outlet for me to really, get my, you know, name out there.” 

The pamphlets that were handed out at Rooted in Black Joy explained exactly what type of event its spectators came to see. It stated, “Rooted in Black joy is the inaugural Black History Month Showcase offering a space for current students to share artistic works that honor and engage with Black culture. This year’s theme, “Black Joy,” celebrates the profound and collective experiences of joy within Black communities.” 

It continued, “An essential source of resilience, healing, and renewal. It serves as a means of restoring the body, mind and spirit in response to the ongoing trauma and systemic challenges that Black people continue to navigate. This celebration will carry forward through the efforts of B.A.S.E., the Black Artistic Soul Ensemble, ensuring its continued impact and legacy.” 

Another aspect that was mentioned was the creator behind the entire event, Lydia Young-Green. Ms. Young-Green served as the director of the whole performance, making it from the ground up.

Rooted in Black Joy consisted of many unique performances. To begin the show, the president of the NAACP, Ms. Kaitlin Absent, played the Black National Anthem,”Lift Every Voice and Sing,” on the saxophone. Her spotlight kicked off the event to a great start with some music to listen to. 

Next, a background speech was given on the importance of Black history, followed by the first dance performance which highlighted the dancers Braedon Johnson, LaMya McGee, A’Myra Menard, Mariah Ross, Kristen Sylvester and Danisha Williams. The dancers performed choreography to the song “Glory” by Common featuring John Legend. 

After the first group of talented dancers, the NPHC members stood and gave a brief intro to their sororities and fraternities that they were presidents of. Following their intros came another group of dancers as members of the Infinity Dance Group performed to the song “8 Count Girl” by MrSetteitoff. 

By this point, the event was halfway done, but the talented showcases raged on. Next was a performance that featured Kristen Sylvester and her younger sister, Kari Sylvester, as they danced to the song “Master Blaster” by Stevie Wonder. The sister duo was a beautiful sight to see. As they cleared the dance floor, the president of the NAACP stood again to give a brief introduction to what the NAACP is known for. 

Second to last in the list of performances was Aubrey Becker, Jayda Becker, Kaylon Chiles, Monae Funzie, Chloe Jackson, Karson Moore, Jaycee Sion, Christian Smith, Zoe Stewart and Kari Sylvester as they danced together to “Here I Come” by Barrington Levy. 

To wrap up the night the Infinity Dance Group put on a show to multiple songs which included, “One , Two Step” by Ciara, “Big Difference” by Nicki Minaj, “Put It On Da Floor” by Latto and “Cut Up” by Thug Brothers. 

Rooted in Black Joy was full of entertaining surprises, beautiful choreography and talented dancers. 

The event definitely has a lot to look forward to, as B.A.S.E. plans to continue to put on this event for many years to come.