Students display their talent at Apollo Night

Troy’s National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) held a Welcome Week event with a talent show open to all students. Apollo Night was filled with live music, dancing and performances where students got to showcase their talent of choice.  

The showcased talents ranged from singing and rapping to dancing and comedy. The contestants also had the chance to win the grand prize of $50. 

“We had a good time,” said NABJ President Tyren Robinson, who is a senior broadcast journalism major from Heflin, Alabama. “Thank you to everyone for coming out, and we are excited to see what else we are going to be doing the rest of the year.” 

Throughout the event, students had the chance to enter a raffle for door prizes, which raised money to go to the Boys and Girls Club of Troy. A live DJ, DJ Redd, was also at the event, and students were encouraged to get up and dance in between performances.  

“I have always been a performer,” said Xavier Brooks, one of the student performers who is a freshman theatre major from Opelika, Alabama. “I’ve always loved performing in front of audiences even if I didn’t have a prompt of anything.  

“I don’t mind going out there, winging it and seeing what happens.” 

The winner of the talent show was chosen based on the loudest applause from the audience. By the end of the night, a total of $35 was raised for the Boys and Girls Club of Troy. 

“I’m having a great time,” said Stephen Shropshire, a freshman theatre major from Auburn, Alabama. “Just seeing everyone perform and the amazing talent that they have and just being able to go out and dance in between acts was fun.  

“My biggest takeaway is just to step out of your comfort zone, go out and meet new friends. Just do the things that you love and enjoy doing.” 

NABJ plans to hold more events throughout the school year. 

“We are working on a new brand for our organization, which is “Boots on the Ground” as the famous song that is,” Robinson said. “Being more active on campus and getting involved with the other organizations on campus that brings more events to students is our main goal.” 

NABJ helps to connect students as well as develop skills for future journalists. They will hold an interest meeting within the coming weeks. For more information, follow their Instagram page @troy_nabj.