In 1989 at Samford University, the Black Student Organization performed their own Step Sing show for the 38th annual Step Sing show.
This year, for the 75th anniversary of Step Sing, the rebirth of the group Urban Essence takes the stage. They continue the legacy that the Black Student Organization started in 1989.
The directors, Caleb John and Kionna Ramsey, are heavily involved in student life at Samford. John is a member of the executive board for SGA and president of his fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha. Ramsey is the president of Samford’s Gospel Choir and a Ragland Scholar.
Both directors are interested in the advancement of Samford’s diversity and believe in the mission of Urban Essence.
“We came here today to make history and have fun and enjoy it,” said Urban Essence member Carmen Lindsey. “Give y’all a show and show y’all some culture.”
From a small seed to revamping a Step Sing show that was planted last year by former Alpha Phi Alpha President Akiem Thames, John continued to carry the torch this year to make that dream a reality.
By John partnering with the Diversity and Inclusion Office alongside the Office of Student Activities, Urban Essence was created.
“I wanted to expand diversity for participants in Step Sing,” John said.
The directors were excited to give the opportunity to those who didn’t have a place in Step Sing before.
For their first show as a Step Sing group, Urban Essence has tried to make practices fun and exciting while fostering a season of growth for not only the directors but also the participants.
According to Ramsy, the show will highlight African American Culture through the years. They will be showcasing a lot of pain, but beauty as well.
“Step Sing has been so supportive to highlight belonging and inclusion,” said John.
The mission behind Urban Essence is to build community from all different backgrounds. The directors were sure to create a sense of belonging amongst their group.
“It is the most beautiful thing,” Ramsey said. “We didn’t know each other and now we are family.”
Urban Essence is performing alongside 18 other shows, including the new additions of The Other Guys and Kappa Delta Sorority.
The Urban Essence Step Sing show sets the stage for more diversity and inclusion to come for all of Samford University.
“Step Sing is a place for any student,” John said.
Staff Writer
