The ETSU Multicultural Center partnered with the Umoja Cultural Arts Committee of Johnson City to provide the community with a free concert.

In the D.P. Culp Auditorium, the Multicultural Center hosted an Umoja Concert on Feb. 3. Artists with expertise in music genres such as R&B, soul, hip-hop and rap took the stage Saturday night. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. guests filled the auditorium to experience the diverse creativity taking place.

“The concert was originally meant to take place on Labor Day weekend during the Umoja Festival, but due to the weather it was postponed. However, this gave us the opportunity to provide an event in support of Black History Month,” said Nathnael Tadesse, assistant director of Multicultural Center.

The Multicultural Center seeks to promote ETSU’s dedication for diversity and continuously broaden multicultural understanding with events centered around engagement, recruitment, reservation and success. Likewise, the Umoja Cultural and Arts Incorporation aims to connect and harmonize diverse cultures through education and artistic presentations of art, culture and heritage. For the last 25 years, the incorporation has hosted entertaining and educational opportunities achieving such.

“We as an organization are always searching for a chance to positively affect lives by creating an environment that supports and sustains the affirmation, celebration and understanding of human differences and similarities,” said Tadesse.

Umoja concert poster (Contributed/ETSU Multicultural Center)

Sunshine Anderson, M’Soul and Rico Parkay were the guests of honor for the night. Each artist and their bands created a wave of enchantment and desire leaving the crowd wanting more. Their dedication to their skills and talents were evident as they poured their hearts and souls out into the music. The night was nothing short of enjoyment and success.

The Multicultural Center is hosting events throughout the month of February in celebration of Black History Month. These events can be found through the Multicultural Center’s website, as well as via email: etsumc@etsu.edu

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