It’s that time again to be out and about. In celebration of Be Out Day, SGA and Kimberly-Clark Corporation will present a number of festivities to take place throughout the week.
Be Out Day is an important part of FAMU’s history. It began about ten years ago when the student government decided to have a day of “fun in the sun” for students as well as the community.
SGA solely funded the event for the first few years but as the campus and student body grew, there became a need to obtain co-sponsors.
Saasha Wheeler, student chair of Be Out Day, said Kimberly-Clark has co-sponsored the event for the last five years, creating a more entertaining and bigger event.
“Because it’s the 10th anniversary we wanted to make it more entertaining than it has been in the past,” Wheeler said.
The week’s activities include a fashion extravaganza at Lee Hall Auditorium, Monday at 7 p.m., the premiere of the movie “They” by Wes Craven on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the intramural field; and a concert that will feature hip-hop celebrities Lil’ Wayne and Memphis Bleek at Gaither’s gymnasium at 8 p.m. on Friday.
The celebration continues on Saturday with FAMU’s annual “field day” from 12 – 5 p.m. at the intramural field.
Free food and drinks will be provided as well as, game stations for young children, various activities for students, such as the “clash of the classes”, giveaways and several performances.
“We’re trying to give everyone the opportunity to have a good time,” Wheeler said.
Be Out Day not only serves a means of entertainment but it also provides an outlet to relieve built up tension due to upcoming final exams.
“It’s the calm before the storm,” said Samuel Cole, 22, a senior computer information system student from Grand Rapids, Michigan. “Be Out Day takes place right before finals and in a sense it’s a well needed stress reliever.”
While SGA is attempting to provide something for everyone, so is Hip-Hop Soul Enterprises. HHS Marketing, the company’s promotion arm, is the coordinator and promoter of Saturday’s stage performances, which will include an exhibition show featuring several Greek organizations and dorm step teams.
“There was a lot of pre-planning on the part of HHS Marketing, but we had a lot of assistance,” said Renita Bryant, the president of HHS Enterprises. “The best part about this university is there have been numerous organizations willing and able to help out.”
Sherry Culmer can be reached at s_culmer@hotmail.com.