Baptist Student Movement held its annual fall musical themed “Remembering the Past… Headed Towards the Future” on Nov. 11 in the All-Faiths Chapel.
The event kicked off with the master of ceremony PVAMU alumnus Rudy Knight, who posed as Kirk Franklin. Knight set the atmosphere for the musical with an opening prayer. Jessica Simmons, the face behind the event, as well her praise and worship singers stood before the crowd to sing songs and get the crowd involved, a prelude of what was to come. The audience was reminded that “we’re blessed” and asked to release all negativity that was within them. From there the mood was set to worship the Lord.
Knight then came back to open the first half of the event which was a tribute to the ’90s. This part highlighted the gospel that most of Prairie View’s students have grown up on mainly Kirk Franklin and his various groups. BSM came forth and sang four selections including “Total Praise” and “Jesus Is Real.” The audience sat in awe as “Total Praise” was played on the cornet. After the solo, the choir joined in. The audience stood up and got into the praise. Voices were sounding everywhere in the chapel.
BSM then took their seats to yield the choir stand to Michael Dixon and VisZion who sang in tribute to Franklin. They sang their own renditions of favorites from the 90s decade: “Lovely Day,” “Melodies from Heaven,” and “Silver and Gold” to name a few. VisZion closed by encouraging the audience, letting them know that whatever you are going through “it’s over now.”
Knight announced an intermission like no other. We are accustomed to intermissions in which we are able to leave and nothing is going on. There were acts in place during intermission and if you were to leave you would miss out on a treat. During intermission BSM Praise Dance Ministry, the UC Gospel Choir and PV Mime performed. The mime ministry had the crowd moved, some even in tears, as they performed to “The Blood.” It was a reminder that no matter what our situation may be, God still has the power to help us overcome.
Everyone gathered to prepare for part II of the performance: 2000 & Beyond. This half started off with a surprise performance by Mary Mary and KiKi Sheard, or three women playing the roles of them, singing “It’s the God In Me” which can be heard on hip hop and gospel stations alike. BSM then went on to sing a few more selections before they knew that God had made his presence and mission clear.
People throughout the chapel had their hands raised toward the heavens, tears streaming down their faces, overwhelmed with emotion. There was a distinct presence in this place. Everyone continued to sing, sending up praises for blessings that many admitted “we are not worthy of.”
Senior Lenesha Jones said that she “was moved by songs and it felt like being at my church home so I really enjoyed it.”
Soon, there was a large group of students standing around the altar in response to a calling for all who felt as if they weren’t prepared to face God if death came upon them at that very moment. For many it was a simple reminder that God still reigns in everything we do and everywhere we go.
Students are faced with many worldly temptations while in college and many of them lose sight of God after entering the college world. This event gave all of those who had fallen short a chance to let God know that he is still in control.