National Council of Negro Women hosts Dance Party
The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) hosted its annual “Back 2 Business” dance party in the Rebecca Stafford Student Center (RSSC) on Friday, September 13, from 9 pm – 1 am with music by DJ Wallah.
Approximately 100 students danced to this Jersey DJ that was inducted into the Heavy Hitter DJ Crew back in 2009.
Senior Aiyana Jones, President of NCNW, said, “Wallah has been our go to DJ for our events every year. He is so nice and easy to work with, plus he appeals to all crowds. Not to mention he is the most popular Hip-Hop DJ in New Jersey.” Jones said that it is considered a tradition to the NCNW to continue asking Wallah to perform.
Wallah is most well-known for his club song “Hit it to the Beat.” According to DJWallah.net, he is “the featured DJ alongside respected household names such as Busta Rhymes, Juelz Santana, 50 Cent, Rick Ross, and countless others.”
Taylar Campbell, freshman communications major said, “My expectations of the night were high because I know who Wallah is, and he definitely surpassed them. He played a lot of diverse music and I had an amazing time.”
Merissa Jones, advisor for the NCNW since 2007, said that this event has been going on for five years. “We feel this event is an opportunity for the students to meet others on campus as well as to de-stress from the feelings of nervousness from starting or returning to college life,” said Jones.
“Back 2 Business” was advertised by distributing flyers around campus as well as attaching a file of the flyer and sending it to student email addresses. “This event is aimed for students to help them make friends outside of a classroom setting,” said Jones.
Students could pre-register for the event and pay $5.00; otherwise it was $7.00 at the door.
“We use the proceeds of the ‘Back 2 Business’ party to fund our service projects throughout the year,” said Jones. NCNW sponsors events including Free Rapid HIV Testing, bus trips for Black History Month, and Spa Day in the local women’s shelter, as well as participating in the Adopt-A-Family program for Christmas.
Jones serves as a chaperone and school representative during excursions and events that take place on campus after normal business hours. She also guides the groups’ E-board members with reaching their tasks while ensuring the organization’s objectives are aligned with University policy.
Students were allowed to bring one guest of at least 18 years of age. Guests had to be signed in by the University student.
Identification such as driver’s licenses had to be left at the door for the duration of the event.
All people who attended the “Back 2 Business” event were subject to search and there was absolutely no alcohol, beverages, or containers allowed inside the RSSC.
“Back 2 Business” took approximately an hour to set-up in the RSSC, whereas planning the entire event took a few months. The event was funded with the help of the “Weekend Warrior” grant provided by the Student Activities Board.
Campbell said, “I danced at the party and met a lot of new people. I will definitely go to next year’s event.”
NCNW is a community service based organization and strives to increase student involvement by providing leadership, programs, and services. Any students that are interested in becoming involved with this organization are welcomed and encouraged to contact the NCNW campus office.
