by Naquela Kirk (Assistant Director, Student Affairs Marketing and Communications)
On February 24, the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Black Student Awareness Committee (BSAC) hosted the 31st Annual Camille Armstrong Memorial Scholarship Step Show. The event, held at the Alys Stephens Center Jemison Concert Hall, brought together a sold-out crowd to honor the memory of Camille Armstrong and support future leaders through scholarship opportunities.
The step show hasn't been held since 2019, heightening the excitement and anticipation surrounding its return. The crowd encompassed a diverse range of attendees, including UAB students, members of National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations, and family and friends of the show’s participants. Emceed by comedian FunnyMaine, the evening was infused with laughter and high energy as each fraternity and sorority took to the stage to showcase their creative step routines and skits.
Among the standout performances were those of the Iota Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (UAB), which claimed the first-place title in the sorority category with a Deltaverse-themed showcase based on the Spider-Man cinematic series, followed closely by the Iota Phi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (UAB) in second place whose exhibition was based on the late 90s cartoon, “The Power Puff Girls.”
In the fraternity category, the Eta Chi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (University of Alabama) claimed the top spot with an electrifying “Cops” themed performance. The Kappa Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (UAB) secured second place with an Omega Man, superhero-themed routine.
Beyond the thrill of competition, the heart of the event was its mission to support aspiring scholars. Three scholarships totaling $4,500 were awarded to these high-achieving African American undergraduate students majoring in political science at UAB:
- $2,000 - Tatyana Martin, junior
- $1,500 - Angel Walls, senior
- $1,000 - Andrew Clark, senior
The return of the Camille Armstrong Memorial Scholarship Step Show ignited anticipation and excitement among attendees, reaffirming the show's enduring legacy.
Among the memorable highlights of the show was Camille’s brother Edward Armstrong who addressed the audience and thanked UAB for honoring his sister and continuing the tradition of the step show after its hiatus. Citing his sister’s influence, Edward also attended and graduated from UAB.
“The return of this step show is a testament to the creativity, talent, and dedication of the SMDP staff, BSAC, and our NPHC community. I also want to highlight the efforts of BSAC advisor, Vivica Parker, in her work to make sure this step show took place,” said Herbert Wilkerson, director of Student Multicultural & Diversity Programs. “It's incredibly rewarding to see the community come together in support of our mission to honor Camille's life and empower future leaders. All for a great cause.”
This UAB tradition encapsulates everything Camille embodied during her time as a student that resonates with Student Affairs’ current core values, from her collaboration and unwavering support of the community to her demonstration of excellence for future leaders. The event served as a reminder of the power of unity, inspiration, and scholarship in shaping the lives of those who follow in Camille's footsteps.
For more information about Camille Armstrong or the Camille Armstrong Memorial Step Show click here.