TCU’s Black History Month celebration comes to an end tonight with an attempt to recreate the Apollo Theater with Night at the Apollo, a showcase of multiple talentsAshley Madkins, committee chair for Night at the Apollo, said this event will be “a fun-filled grand finale.”

“This event is a tribute to black artists who have been to the actual Apollo Theater in Harlem, N.Y.,” the senior fashion merchandising major said. “Everybody gets to come and perform their talent for a chance to win a big prize.”

This year, seven performers, with acts including dances, songs and a poem recitation, will be competing for cash prizes of $200, $100 and $50.

Following the traditions of the Apollo Theater, the audience will act as judges, Madkins said.

“We bring out our top acts and whoever gets the most applause at the end of the show will be declared the winner,” she said.

Sandhya Klein, program coordinator for Inclusiveness and Intercultural Services, said students from different backgrounds will participate in the event.

“It is a celebration of art and talent that promotes inclusiveness on campus,” she said. “It is a way for students to communicate where they are coming from.”

Nichole Zahand, a freshman nursing major, is one of the contestants. She will be performing in a song called “Beautiful” by Bethany Dillon.

She said the song speaks about the world’s beauty standards and that she intends to spread this message to TCU women.

“I have been blessed with a talent, and I love to use it for the glory of the Lord,” she said.

This event is organized by the Black History Month committee, sponsored by the Inclusiveness and Intercultural Services. It is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. Admission to this event requires two canned goods, which will be donated to the Tarrant County Food Bank.