The Black Entertainment College Tour made its annual stop on the hill, for Florida A & M’s homecoming week. Hundreds were in attendance as students and faculty crowded onto FAMU Park, for BET’s visit. With it came celebrities, such as former assistant to rapper Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Fonzworth Bently, as well as free food, dozens of BET vendors and interactive activities including a talent competition ,where students competed for a variety of prizes.
First year music education major from Palm Beach Florida, Kayla Cox, 19, showcased her talent and won the crowd over with her rendition of Monica’s hit song, Love All Over Me. By an overwhelming round of applause, Cox won first place along with a prize win of headphones and studio beats by rapper, Doctor Dre.
Cox said she was just excited she got the opportunity to show her skills.
“Every time I’ve tried to sing in a talent show I miss sign up for auditions,” Cox said.
“So I wasted no time to show everyone I can sing, this time around.”
Unlike Cox’s reason for attending the tour, some students say they attended for the free food. Lines were wrapped around the Bejamin L. Perry building, located in front of the FAMU Park.
First year nursing major from Ft.Lauderdale, Citania Celestin, 22 waited fourty-five minutes, in line, to scarf down on the complimentary chow.
” I wasn’t really interested in the other festivities taking place, but the free chicken wings and shrimp I ate was worth the wait,” Celestin said.
Those interested in things other than the food, had the chance to meet and greet with various vendor giving out free gifts. Vendors included Mizani make-up, which gave out free make-up and tips and rap-it-up vendors came out to offer students shirts and hats in exchange for free HIV Testing.
Rap-it-up coordinator, Devon Bagley stressed the importance of getting tested.
” We come out every year because it’s important for every student on this campus to know their health status,” Bagley said.
Although many students came for various reasons, the BET college tour delivered for everyone.