Getting down and filling up were the main orders of business in the Holden Hall cafeteria Thursday, during the fifth annual "Holden's Soul Food Extravaganza."
The event was sponsored by the Holden Hall cafeteria and brought food and entertainment together in a celebration of black culture.
"We wanted to do something for Black History Month that wasn't so preachy," said Holden Complex Director Joshua Gillespie. "Instead of debating about culture, let's display the beauty of the culture."
Gillespie worked with the cafeteria to coordinate the event and organized the entertainment. He said each year he tries to add more music.
Kicking things off this year was 20-year turntable veteran, "DJ Butcher." Butcher said he plays on college campuses across the state and has been performing at the extravaganza since it began.
"It's always good to play in support of Black History Month," Butcher said.
Butcher mixed music to open the event and then between other acts.
The event showcased music by the band Soul Content as well as dance performances from Urban Dreams and Spartan Soul.
Rounding out the musical side of the event was the MSU Gospel Choir, which has performed at the extravaganza for the last four years.
Choir member William Hightower said the group enjoys performing at the event, which offers listeners a blend of things to hear. He said despite the differences in musical styles, it all fit the theme.
"Gospel music plays a big part of African American history," Hightower said. "We always get positive feedback from the crowd."
South Complex Dining Services Manager Don Donagrandi said planning for the dinner starts about a month in advance. He said the cafeteria puts money aside in its budget to have special events during the year.
"It's fun and something different," Donagrandi said. "Even the staff gets excited."
The menu, which included foods such as catfish, chicken, okra and black-eyed peas, was created with Gillespie's help.
"Its soul food, something typical of African American cuisine," Gillespie said.
Last year, a dinner in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. held in Owen Hall, angered some residents who felt the meal was promoting stereotypes.
Prenursing freshman Whittney Lacelle said the food was good and the entertainment was a total surprise.
"This stuff never happens - a band in the cafeteria," Lacelle said.
Lacelle said it was a good way to promote Black History Month.
"A lot of the time we just hear about history," Lacelle said. "This is a very positive way to elevate culture."
