“Sing It or Wing It: Soundtracks of the Culture,” a multicultural Greek karaoke event, was held on Feb. 22 in Pioneer Cafe and provided a night of music, culture and community.
The event was sponsored by the Alpha Phi Chapter of Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc., the Onyota Chapter of Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc., and the Xi Phi Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Organizers said the collaboration between the organizations fostered a welcoming experience for everyone involved.
The event was well attended, with approximately 30 participants, and one of the highlights of the night was the wide range of music shared from many different cultures, said Tekkiyah Scotland-Williams, a 2018 Utica University graduate and sister of the Alpha Phi Chapter of Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc.
“A participant who truly stood out performed a Spanish song,” Scotland-Williams said. “Although much of the crowd did not understand the lyrics or the meaning of the song, her energy and stage presence were undeniably felt throughout the room. The audience responded with enthusiasm, showing support by singing along, cheering, and uplifting every participant who took the stage. The overall atmosphere was incredibly energetic and encouraging.”
In addition to the vocal performances, the crowd also came together for a few line dances, including the Electric Slide and the Cha Cha Slide.
Another powerful moment of the evening was when a participant sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Scotland-Williams was touched and didn’t expect such a meaningful and historic song to be performed.
“The moment was especially impactful given that the event took place during Black History Month,” she said. “It also created a special bonding experience, as both myself and a sister of the Xi Phi Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. were members of the Black Student Union, allowing us to connect deeply over the significance of the song.”
For 2020 graduate Patricia Gortman, and sister of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., said the night served not only as a night of entertainment, but also as a reminder of the power of fellowship and alumni engagement within the campus community.
“Organizers and attendees alike are already looking forward to the next opportunity to gather, connect and celebrate together,” Gortman said.
Scotland-Williams hopes the organizations can make the event even bigger in the future by inviting more multicultural sororities and fraternities that have been part of the Utica University community.
“Hosting this event brought back so many memories and the same excitement I felt during my time as a student at UU, truly making me miss my college years,” Scotland-Williams said.
