Last night the Dixon Center at Lee University was filled with the sounds of jazz and step dancing.

A tribute to Jazz’s great African American artists was sponsored by Lee University’s Diversity Committee.

The program opened with a welcoming by Chair, Communication and the Arts, Dr. Michael Laney at 6:15 and concluded at 7:30 with a step show by the Multicultural Step Team.

The show included a two part jazz tribute, poetry slam by Jordan White, and a tribute to local heroes. The jazz tribute featured Alan Wyatt and the Jazz Ensemble.

The two local heroes awarded were Helen Miller and G. Ron Hill. Ms. Miller was the first female and first African American Principal. She was principle at College Hill/ Highland Elementary for four years. G. Ron Hill was the first African American male principle and has been working at Blythe Bower Elementary from 1997.

The biggest attraction was the step show.

Lee University English Professor (name) Gregory described the show as being “Step-tastic”.

The conclusion of the performance was greeted with many cheers and applause. A few steppers even received roses from audience members after the show. Other audience members expressed the show as “awesome” and “really exciting to watch.”

Stephanie Gaines, a Lee Freshman on the Multicultural Step Team, describes the impact of the team on her days at Lee as being really great.

“As of right now we aren’t official. We just started the group for the show,” she said.

The team of twelve is waiting for approval to continue. When asked about her lead choreographer, Sheena Young, Stephanie described her as being a devoted friend and teacher.

“She is dedicated to helping us learn the steps but is also there whenever we need prayer.”

On the whole, the Jazz Tribute and step show proved to be a great night for both the viewers, entertainers and heroes awarded.