Eclectic music and unique dance styles are some of the traits often associated with the D.C. Metro area vibe.
And Famuans all around will have the opportunity to share the world of the Washingtonian with their DC Metro Club this week.
The club, which has been at Florida A&M University for over 20 years, is throwing its annual week, which began Monday.
With humble beginnings, just having a few members, the club has grown to over 100-plus members.
The club wants their week to be big in hopes of adding members and showing the students some D.C. flavor.
Some of you may have seen gray fliers with Anacostia, Gallery Place, Brookland, Minnesota Avenue or even Stadium Armory written on the front.
These are actually the names of train stations in D.C. and has been a way for FAMU students to become more acquainted with the D.C. transit system.
The week began with a breakfast giveaway, “Breakfast in the Chocolate City,” in front of Benjamin L. Perry, Tucker Hall, the School of Business and Industry, and the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication buildings.
Wednesday there will be a discussion on the show “Black. White.” that will feature five panelists, which include representatives from The Movement, the National Council of Negro Women, Jan DeCosmo of the Caribbean Student Association, and representatives from the FAMU and Florida State University chapter of Progressive Black Men.
Mitch Brooks, a 21-year old business marketing student from Washington, D.C, as well as the club’s president felt it necessary to feature an intellectually based event.
“This year I decided to incorporate forum-like discussions in our club meetings and I felt it was only right to make them a part of our week,” Brooks said. “A lot of these organizations are focused on getting together and having fun, but we are in college for a reason, so it’s important to engage in intellectual discussions.”
The discussion is set to cover racial issues ranging from racial discrimination to the use of derogatory words toward black people in the community as well as some of the many issues that were discussed on the show.
“We will also use this as a opportunity to tie in the situation going on at Duke University,” Brooks said.
Students and faculty had the opportunity to share insight on these touchy issues as well as get a chance to hear some viewpoints of the appointed panel.
Thursday will feature a “Love Jones Poetry Lounge” from 8-10 p.m. in the Phase III Recreation Center.
There, students will have a chance to show off their poetic and spoken word talent.
“I’m looking forward to this event. It’s the perfect opportunity to show my skills and have a great time,” said Ashley Jones, 19, a freshman computer information systems student from Jacksonville.
The week’s finale is a three-on-three basketball tournament where teams will pay a $20 fee and get a chance to show their skills and have an opportunity to win a $150 check.
In wake of Malcolm “Bigshot” Parkinson’s current medical state, this week will be a way of not only immersing the campus in D.C. culture, but a way of keeping people abreast of his condition and status.
“He has really brought a motivational and inspirational element to our week and we will actually be taking donations for him and his family at every event,” Brooks said.
Brooks said the DC Metro club invites everyone to enjoy the week and experience the D.C. flavor.
You can also catch the DC Tallyband, the club’s Gogo band at Be Out Day at 3:30pm.
“We want students to learn more about, and gain respect for the culture, values and personalities of the D.C. area. I just hope that we only get bigger and better,” Brooks said.
For more info on the DC Metro club and the week of events contact Brooks at mitchbrooks@ gmail.com.
Contact Kenjuan Lockhart and Yewande Addieat famuanlifestyles@hotmail.com