 "Photo: Bethany Sneed/Echo staff photographer")
More than 200 students gathered to dance for a worthy cause at the L.T. Walker Complex on April 8.
NCCU hosted the social event for the American Cancer Society HBCU conference.
The social event was a Dance-A-Thon to generate awareness for healthy living through balanced nutrition, stress management, and exercise in the African-American community.
The Dance-A-Thon lasted from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the gymnasium. The first 200 students to register received a contestant number to wear throughout the event.
Students had the option of writing the name of a cancer victim or survivor of their choice to support while they were dancing.
NCCU alumnus and K.97.5 radio personality Wade Banner deejay'd the event. A variety of hip hop, rap and R&B was played during the 4-hour Dance-A-Thon.
"I'm happy to be able to support such a good cause," said Banner. "It is important to bring awareness to the Black community about living a healthy lifestyle."
The event presented one of NCCU's dance troops, the Naughty Boys/Envy-Us. The dance group performed to Chris Brown's new single "Look at Me Now."
"Dancing is more than just a passion; it's a way of life," said NB/Envy-Us member sophomore Sabrina Cannon.
"We are grateful to be given the opportunity to do what we love for a good cause."
Students from other HBCUs in the region also participated. NCCU students earned community service hours for participating in the event as dancers or as concession workers.
"This is a great way to have fun, meet new people, get community service hours, and raise awareness about healthy lifestyle habits," said contestant and criminal justice sophomore Alessandra Ferduson.
NCCU collaborated with the American Cancer Society to promote healthy lifestyle initiatives at other HBCUs.
ACS members at the Dance-A-Thon included HBCU Project Manager Alleceia Walker. NCCU faculty and staff made the conference's social event possible.
Parks and Recreation Administration PMP Jeneea Jervay and Recreation Director Erica Dixon spearheaded the social event.
"Our purpose is to inform, educate, and bring awareness to students about living a healthy lifestyle," said Dixon.
"The ACS conference was a platform for us as educators to inspire students and staff members from other HBCU's to begin healthy lifestyle initiatives at their respective colleges and universities."
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