A Remarkable Experience

A Remarkable Experience
By: Brandi Jorden, ENGL 336.001

Miss and Mr ASA 2012

In the late evening on November 30, 2012 the African Student Alliance, an on campus organization at Frostburg State University, held one of the most remarkable fashion show of 2012. The fashion show was held in the ARMAH located in the Lane University Center building, which is known as the hub of the university. There was a mixture of African culture combined with bright, and fashionable patterns. Each student on stage wore traditional attire from his or her country in Africa. After each student walked onto the runway they did their traditional tribal dance which is associated with their attire, and country. The entire audience was entranced by the performance. Rebecca Neal, a senior law and society major at Frostburg State University stated, “This show has had some amazing twist. They truly out did themselves this year. I love how they changed it up from last year and incorporated more history into the show.” The show engaged the audience by reaching a variety of different cultures in Africa.

 During intermission the African American on-campus Greek organizations participated in a five-segment step show and related it back to the African American culture. Following the last segment of the step show the five potential kings and queens of the African Student Alliance fashion show were brought onto the stage. All constants were asked to sit down facing the audience and then were instructed to do an introduction of their selves. The host of the show helped introduce three women and two men contestants. Following the introductions all contestants were asked to show a talent to the audience. The talents truly engaged the audience and according to Ed*, a senior at Frostburg State University, “It was a wonderful celebration and informational segment of African culture. I think it was very informational as well because some people do not really understand our true culture.” Many other students shared the same feeling about the show. Another student, Taylor Grotz, a senior psychology major stated, “I got to see all of the different cultures come together and it was an amazing experience to see so many different cultures produce such an amazing show. The difference between cultures was very apparent and for anyone who was not aware of the different cultures, well they were educated tonight!”

After the talent portion of the show all contestants were asked to dress in their formal attire and then come back on stage. The gowns and suits worn by the contestants were all rich colors. One contestant’s gown had a trail that had a glamorous glimmer to it. Finally the judges picked by the African Student Alliance picked the queen and king of the show. The host announced the winners with brilliant charisma, “The Miss/Queen “ASA” is Nina Brown and the King/Mr “ASA” is Justin. The crowd was ecstatic; they immediately stood up and, cheered, hooped, and hollered for the victors of the show. Nina Capuano, a senior political science major stated, “The crowning of Mr. and Miss. ASA was such a heartfelt experience because of all of the performances and entertainment that led up to the moment. I have never seen such a fashion show so packed with history.