MEA presents talent

On Tuesday, the Minority Education Association of Youngstown State University, a new organization that promotes diversity and professionalism in the field of education, will be presenting a talent show in the Ohio Room of Kilcawley Center.

The show will run from approximately 5:30-9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the advisement office in the Beeghly Hall or at the door at $3 a person.

As future educators, MEA members are presenting the show to further their goals of being active in the community, on campus and in the lives of students. Ahmed Sutton, president of the MEA, said the association — assuming the show goes well — would like to continue serving as host.

“We are really hoping to have a good turnout, and would like to host this event in the future,” Sutton said.

Sutton went on to say that his organization is oriented toward expansion and growth, and is looking forward to forming new relationships with like-minded organizations.

“Our organization is all about growth; we have all grown as students, mentees, mentors and people. We also support all other organizations and individuals who promote diversity both in and outside of the classroom,” he said. “We have initiated a mentorship with YSU Upward Bound, and hope to continue to grow that relationship and also develop relationships with more high school students and organizations.”

The winner of the talent show will receive a percentage of admission and ticket sales.

The participants consist of YSU students and members of the community. Audience members can look forward to a couple of well-known acts: NEXT, a dance step group, and Synphony, a singing group.

Rebecca Banks, Robin Bradley and Sterling Morris will act as judges for the talent show. Banks and Morris are YSU students and Bradley is an employee at the marketing department of the Williamson School of Business Administration.

Banks said she is excited for the surprises the night will hold for her.

“I love to support the community and YSU events in any way that I can. I expect to be amazed by the richness of talent that we are blessed to be surrounded with here at YSU and also in the city of Youngstown,” she said.

Banks went on to thank the MEA for all their hard work in bringing YSU this talent show.

“The talent show which will showcase beautiful people gracing a stage and providing joy and entertainment for those of us who are privileged to be in attendance,” Banks said.

The association received donated items from local businesses to include in their raffle. Quaker Steak and Lube, Denny’s and Cheddars also gave in-kind donations. The MEA funded the talent show through bake sale fundraisers and donations.

Crystal Hawthorne, adviser of the MEA, said the association strives to bring together the many diverse groups strewn throughout the community through the show.

“There are a lot talented students on campus and the organization would like to showcase those talents to the community. We also realize that the community also has a lot of talent and we hope that we can bring that knowledge to our students and show them some of the wonderful things the city has to offer,” Hawthorne said. “By bringing together a diverse group of acts we hope to bring together diverse group of people.”