This past month, OCU’s Black Student Association joined forces with OCU dancers to put on the first, hopefully many, Performing and Visual Arts Expo (PAVE).
PAVE was a new event BSA hosted celebrating art created by African Americans and people of color.
According to BSA VP of Programming Michael Scott, OCU has a population of less than 6% black, which does not represent the national or Oklahoma average.
“We felt that it was important to highlight the black voices and artists we have here on this campus,” said Scott. “As well as important black figures of history in the art scene.”
The headlining event of PAVE was a presentation on The Four Step Brothers.
The Four Step Brothers, Maceo Anderson, Al Williams, Red Walker, and Duke Ellington, were a group of African American dancers who performed tap dance from the late 20s to the 60s.
They were the first black group to perform at Radio City Music Hall, Copa City in Miami, and the Lido in Paris.
They were also part of the first group of people in the nation to receive doctorates of tap here at OCU.
One of Maceo Anderson’s protégés had been in contact with Dean Shelley of the Dance School and had items he wanted to share to remember The Four Step Brothers.
PAVE was the perfect opportunity to showcase these items, with the presentation being led by students of rhythm tap professor Cassie Van Houten.
Other presentations during PAVE included a presentation by Dr. Jones on the intersection between African American and LGBTQ history in art, a skit directed by Cameron Bannerman, instrumental performances of music written by faculty member Clint Williams, and more.
BSA is under new management this year, with Michael Scott stating that the organization is trying to create more campus events, representation, and presence.
“PAVE is a large event and something that we hope to make a yearly mainstay, one of our marque events hosted yearly, and done bigger and better each year.”
While Scott said the organization has no concrete plans for the next PAVE, they have expressed interest in collaborating with other OCU schools and 3rd parties, such as other universities or the OKC community.
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