It was a night full of talent, as the African American Cultural Society put on the first annual talent and fashion show expo.

There were nine talent acts, and one ‘improv’ game, which involved volunteers from the audience. Some of the talents included a step team, dancing, singing, and poetry. All participants in the talent show are Valencia students.

“The purpose of this event is to educate people about Harlem Renaissance, this is one of our Black History Events,” Elizabeth Campbell, President of AACS says. “It’s to educate as well as show off students at Valencia who have talents”.

The room was not only full of talent, but there were also some great prizes to win. For the audience, there was a drawing for a chance to win a check for $50 provided by Student Development. Second place winner of the talent show won a check for $100, and the grand prize won $150.

The show kicked off with the Fearless Leaders Stand Out (FLS), who won second place. The group uses step and dance to build a bond through teamwork. The club started with four members in 2014, but now have grown to 18.

The next performer was a student named Julia, who has been singing since “as long as she can remember.” She dedicated her performance to her late grandfather, as she sang “Chasing Pavements” by Adele.

Brazilian singer and guitarist, Bruno, sang his heart out in his rendition of “End of The Road” by Boyz II Men. Bruno’s dedication to his wife and children, earned him first place.

The next performers were a couple of dancers named Aiden and Gabby. They danced to Bachata music, which is a style of music that originated from the countryside of the Dominican Republic.

Another dancer in the show was hip-hop and break-dancer, Jovan. Jovan has been dancing for over 15 years and is pursuing a career in acting and dancing. He wants to one day open his own dance studio and give back to the community.

The next two performers were Miesha, and Sharnecia. Miesha is a singer and songwriter from the Virgin Islands, who sang a mashup of songs. Sharnecia is a singer who loves worshiping and has a very smooth and soulful voice.

The last two performers were Toni Ann Clark, and Jessica who both are poet that delivered beautiful poems about life and society.

The show then shifted into the fashion aspect of the event where five students modeled their own renaissance outfits and the audience learned more about the history of the Harlem Renaissance.