Students and community members gathered last night for the third annual Rhythm and Rhyme performance showcase in Talley Student Center Ballroom — an evening that included a plethora of food, music and culture.

Young Black Entrepreneurs Inc. organized the event, which was part of the Union Activities Board’s Pan-Afrikan week. Performances ranged from spoken word and poetry recitations to jazz and R&B vocal renditions.

According to YBE historian Kevin Hicks, the show was an opportunity to commemorate the African-American people.

“To have an event dealing with mainly soulful African-American music means a lot, not only to the black students here, but to the African-American community as well,” Hicks, a junior in meteorology, said.

D.J. Adams, a YBE ambassador and student adviser, said the show provided a nice variety of entertainment, which was appealing to everyone.

“A lot of our performers perform music and artwork from an African-American background,” Adams said. “It’s a relaxed atmosphere that students of all backgrounds can relate to.”

Adams said the event provided a chance for students to take a break from their studies and enjoy themselves.

“Students have the opportunity to come out, chill, listen to some music and eat some good food,” he said.

Hicks expressed similar sentiments and said the art and music represented America’s culture as a whole.

“It is really a celebration of music that is a central part of Americana and is also central to our personality as black people,” Hicks said.

Hicks said there were relatively few difficulties in organizing the event and he had the most trouble deciding who would perform.

“The hardest part of this experience was that we had so many talented people audition and we had to cut it down to only 12,” Hicks said.

Adams said the structure of the YBE helped eliminate any potential problems and allowed for a successful performance.

“We always have fun and make the most of what we have,” Adams said. “We are based on a family structure; if anyone falls we all help each other and pull things through.”

YBE President Megan Stout, a senior in communication and business management, said the show offered people an outlet to learn about African-American culture.

“Tonight was amazing; we had a great variety of talent,” Stout said.

Stout said she was happy with the event turnout for a weekday night and the performers exceeded all of her expectations.

“They put their heart and soul into everything that they did,” Stout said. “They came out here for the love of the game, and I think that everyone who performed has the talent be famous,”