by John Reid, Editor

During the 1920’s there was an explosion of artistic creativity and expression that resulted in some of the century’s greatest work. Whether it was from the masterful poetry of Langston Hughes or the beautiful ballads of Zora Neale Hurston, the era was a showcase of black excellence that continues to this day. At Northern Virginia Community College’s Woodbridge Campus, this was put on display as several youth throughout the area brought the crowd to their feet in a tribute to the artists of that time.

Hosted by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Omicron Chi Omega Chapter, the Youth Talent Showcase took place at NVCC’s Lakeside Theater. People from all over the area came out to see the dazzling artwork, such as Potomac High School Senior Kendal Lawrence’s Blue Night, which was selected for display at the PWC Schools Arts Festival last year. Each artist brought their own unique touch on how the Black Arts Movement impacted American culture.

Inside the theatre, a packed house witnessed a beautiful combination of elegance and grace as each participant came up on the stage. Each act had a special tone to it, from Kenadi Moorman’s powerful rendition of Ella Fitzgerald’s “Summertime,” to the Divine Dance Company’s “Power Praise.” There were monologues such as Paris Gold’s lovely tribute to Hurston with a dramatization of “How It Feels to be Colored Me,” and with the show ending with young Nicolas McCatty singing Sam Cooke’s “Change is Gonna Come,” making the audience rise to their feet in celebration of all the talent that was present for all to see.

The spirit of the Roaring Twenties is alive and well…the 2020’s that is, and the youth that were at the Talent Showcase are continuing their legacy.