Tonight will mark the joining of two of the University’s distinct cultural events. The Honors College Assembly’s Express Night and the Black Student Union’s Common Ground are combining for the first time to bring students “Express Night on Common Ground,” which will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Starbucks in the Ferguson Center.
Express Night is an event put on by the HCA and will bring the elements of open microphone and art expression to this new event, in which visual art is displayed while live performances take place.
Common Ground, normally presented by the Black Student Union, will focus more on hip-hop, dance and spoken word. The event is intended to unite a few of the numerous forms of expression available at the Capstone.
“We are excited about doing this event with HCA,” said Crystalline Jones, vice president of the Black Student Union. “The purpose of Common Ground is to promote freedom of expression of every kind and we also encourage students to come together on ‘common ground,’ no matter their race or creed.”
The event will consist of numerous performances — seven minutes long at most — which will include live acts of all kinds – song, poetry, rap, dance and more. This combination of culture is free and open to all students who wish to attend.
More information is available on the event’s Facebook page.
Both organizations are also involved in spreading tolerance throughout the community and the UA campus and hope to incorporate this into the night’s performances.
Those who attend will also receive the chance to make a special contribution to charity. A Bama Buddies table will be set up with teddy bears that can be stuffed and made in the Build-a-Bear Workshop style for $10. The bears made will later be taken to a children’s home and donated as Christmas presents.
“I am anticipating the combination of these two very different groups,” Jones said. “So for anyone who comes to ‘Express Night on Common Ground,’ we have a rare and unique experience.”
With close to 200 confirmed guests attending, the turnout is expected to be much higher than the original and anticipation for the event is high.
“I have been to Express Night and Common Ground as their separate events and they were both great,” said Cameron Bass, a junior majoring in psychology. “But I’m really excited for the two of them together because it is sure to be an event not to forget and one that will definitely offer something everyone can enjoy.”
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Express Night on Common Ground
WHEN: Tonight from 6 to 9 p.m.
WHERE: Ferguson Center Starbucks
COST: Free
