Black Artistry Takes the Spotlight at Culture Shock

By Nia Armstrong

Reporting Texas

Members of Kappa Alpha Phi Inc. perform for Culture Shock talent show at the WCP on Feb. 20. Nia Armstrong/Reporting Texas

The University of Texas Culture Shock Committee hosted its annual Culture Shock talent show at the William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center (WCP) on Feb. 20.

Culture Shock showcased 13 acts including slam poetry, musicians, dances and featured two performances by Black Fraternities Omega Psi Phi Inc. and Kappa Alpha Phi Inc.

This year’s show was themed “Denim Down,” and over 200 students attended the event in their best Western attire.

The annual event aims to display Black talent and foster a safe and creative environment for the university’s Black student population, which is just under 5%. 

“It being named culture shock alone, for us to showcase our Black talents, really shows the Black artistry we have within this school that we don’t get to showcase as much,” said Wynter Winston, vice president of dance group Front ‘N’ Center.

“I am a dance major and we don’t always get the opportunities to do the certain styles we like, such as heels, street dance and stuff like that,” said Winston. “So I think it’s very important that we do this every year, if we could, every semester.”

Originally, the African American Culture Committee (AACC) organized Culture Shock, which has been hosted since the 1960s and typically took place during the fall semester, said Culture Shock Committee Chair Donye Crawford.

Following concerns about S.B. 17 which limits diversity, equity and inclusion at public universities in Texas, the AACC had to undergo major remodeling. The outcome was the Culture Shock Committee, which Crawford said had major success.

“So, with that rebrand, I had a couple goals in mind and that was to increase our membership retention and then also to just create a stronger, like, presence here on campus,” said Crawford. 

In efforts to engage newcomers, the organization hosts other events throughout the year. Some recent events include their freshman pool party, skate night and cookout.

The Culture Shock Committee also plans to have a cookout and paint ‘n’ sip event later in the semester, said Crawford. 

The Culture Shock Committee meets every Wednesday from 5 to 6 p.m. at the WCP.