LC Meridian

Issue date: 12/1/08 Section: Student Life

With the success of last year's Blackout concert, it was only fitting that the Black Legacy Club at Lehman College delivered an encore with Blackout 2.

Held on November 6 in Lovinger Theater, Blackout 2 promoted Pan-African and Black-Latino pride as it celebrated the victory of President-elect Barack Obama. About 100 students attended the event.

Blackout 2 included performances by hip-hop artist Hassan Salaam, Koch Records recording artist Styles P, and from Lehman students as well. The concert began with DJ Live Wire, who played music by Nas and Common. Lamont Badru, the president of Black Legacy, gave attendees an official welcome, while member Sidney James delivered a remarkable performance of "We Shall Overcome." Clips of famous riots and political events in U.S. history were shown in an untitled documentary.

Spirit Child, a spoken word artist, hosted the concert. He recited original works of poetry that showcased his political views and thoughts about love.

Clifford Jones, a talented pianist and Lehman music major, performed a duet with student vocalist Lori Ann. The duo's performance of Beyonce's "Dangerously in Love" got a celebratory ovation.

Ana Lopez, a professor at Hostos Community College, also discussed the development of the Puerto Rican Independent Movement and various political issues facing the nation.

Clifford Jones, Lori Ann, and another student vocalist named Malika performed a combination of R&B songs by Beyonce and Jill Scott. Salaam also delivered an exciting freestyle and spoke about his experience working with troubled teens in New Jersey.

Styles P, a former member of the hip-hop group LOX (formally known as D-Block), arrived an hour and a half late, and delivered a twenty-minute performance of his hits. When he performed the songs, "We Gonna Make It" and "Locked Up," the audience yelled "D-Block!" and sang along enthusiastically. Unbeknownst to Styles, his microphone was turned off in the middle of his last performance, but like a true "gangster and a gentleman," he dropped the microphone, and did a freestyle.

Blackout 2 was an enjoyable event, but it was also educational as promoters encouraged students to get involved in community service.

At the conclusion of the show, Badru yelled, "Next year, Blackout 3!" and the audience shouted their approval. -m

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