When you think of the prefix M.C. [emcee] what is the first thought that comes to mind?
For those of you that keep up with pop culture or just old enough to remember, you would probably say M.C. Hammer.
But Mr. “U Can’t Touch This” was only trying to let the world know that he is the Master of Ceremonies.
Whether rapping, flamboyantly dancing, or preaching, Hammer is able to speak to an audience.
Fall 2009 Winston-Salem State graduated their very own on-campus emcee, Ray “Mr. Breezeway” Johnson, who stumbled across this calling to become a host during his four years as an undergrad.
What does this mean for the future of an on-campus emcee at WSSU?
Recently, WSSU Campus Life Marketing Committee posted fliers and sent e-mails stating that they are looking for a new “Mr. Breezeway” or on-campus emcee.
Why do we need an on-campus emcee you might ask?
In my mind having an on-campus emcee provides a comfortable environment for students who wouldn’t usually participate in on-campus activities unless there were a consistently relatable, diverse, and all around fun person such as myself to encourage them.
I know that I am able to boost the overall morale of the student body because I am a socialite.
Being an emcee requires you to be very diverse and cultured in multiple areas. All of which I possess simply by being of Native American and African-American descent and raised in Colorado.
I am a product that WSSU needs, wants, and has recruited to become a “Pied Piper” of students by exciting and motivating them to get out of their rooms and get involved with activities on campus.
My neighborhood had Asians, Pacific Islanders, “nerds,” “punks,” homosexuals, people with low self esteem, gang members, etc…
I am able to relate to them all, simply by not being afraid to venture “outside my box.”
This has allowed me to host various assemblies in high school, television shows in college and be successful in stand-up comedy outside of school.
I would be a great marketing tool for recruiting out-of-state students from areas who may not know anything about WSSU.
So what is the future of the on-campus emcee?
Or should I say whom?