Poetry, songs and comedy entertained a crowd at the Night at the Apollo Thursday.

The event was designed to mimic the historic Apollo Theater, with encouraged audience participation, a disc jockey and even a Sandman to sweep off acts gone bad.

“I thought it went really well,” said Greg Trevino, assistant director of the office of Intercultural Education and Services. “The Black History Month Committee did an outstanding job, and the success tonight is a result of their hard work.”

This year, students from outside the university were invited to participate. In addition to a rapping act from Cedar Valley Community College, a poet from the University of North Texas walked away with the $200 grand prize.

The crowd awarded UNT student Nnamdi Orakpo with the prize after he performed his poem “Solis Invicti.” Orakpo said his act was designed to make black Americans proud of their African background.

“My poem was about African culture and spirituality and embracing the origin of our heritage,” Orakpo said.

Kat Barseth, a freshman premajor, placed second in the event. Her Glowstick performance to “Do You Think You’re Better Off Alone?” was one of the most popular acts of the night, judging by audience reaction.

In addition to the acts, the committee also made a presentation about the history of the Apollo Theater. The committee honored “Apollo Legends” such as Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Aretha Franklin and the Jackson Five.

Trevino said he was happy to see how many people showed up for the event.
“I’m really excited about the turnout,” Trevino said. “More importantly, I’m glad to see such a diverse audience come out and have a good time.”

Audience members brought canned food to be donated to the Tarrant Area Food Bank to the Student Center Ballroom in order to get into the show.

While the event kicked off Black History Month last year, the night concluded the month this year.

“I think it was a good, festive way to end the month,” said Dominique Dennis, a member of the committee.