<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2HJ2Cx_0vlK2K0A00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2HJ2Cx_0vlK2K0A00" width="1763" height="1175" ><figcaption>Students watch a game of musical chairs at the Pride in our Community Pep Rally in the HUB-Robeson Center on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in University Park, Pa. Kate Hildebrand</figcaption></figure>Crowding on the railings and staircase, students cheered for various multi-cultural groups performing in the HUB-Robeson Center for the P.O.C. Rally on Thursday, hosted by Penn State Student Affairs.Acts that performed at the rally included a cappella choirs, rock bands, dance teams and singers. A DJ played music at the bottom of the student-filled steps, firing up the crowd for its numerous acts.African Students Association member Feyi Odebode said she came into the pep rally because she heard there would be dance teams performing.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=17Ba13_0vlK2K0A00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=17Ba13_0vlK2K0A00" width="1763" height="1176" ><figcaption>Students dance at the Pride in our Community Pep Rally in the HUB-Robeson Center on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in University Park, Pa. Kate Hildebrand</figcaption></figure>Odebode, a first-year studying health policy and administration and policy, said it’s important for Penn State to have events like this so students know this school is for them, and they’re able to experience their cultures, as well as others.“Although there's a very black crowd, if you look around, there aren't only black people,” Odebode said. “And I'm African myself, and I have met so many African people, and that's something I didn't have at my home.”Odebode said she was happy and excited to see familiar faces in the crowd.Similar to Odebode, Stephanie Rhoads said was excited to watch the acts perform.“We have a lot of talent here on campus,” Rhoades, a fourth-year student studying civil engineering, said. “I love seeing all the talent.”<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4K1ieX_0vlK2K0A00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4K1ieX_0vlK2K0A00" width="1763" height="1175" ><figcaption>A student cheers during the Pride in our Community Pep Rally in the HUB-Robeson Center on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in University Park, Pa. Kate Hildebrand</figcaption></figure>Member of the Penn State Filipino Association, Rhoades said she came out to show her support to her peers.“I think it's good to see this outside class,” Rhoades said. “To see some sort of self expression and community outside of that too.”Coming to support friends who were performing in the rally, Joy Mwaura said she was looking forward to the music and when everyone would begin cheering for each other.To people who haven’t seen the clubs perform before, Mwaurua, a third-year studying political science, said they would have the opportunity to see it first-hand and learn about them.Aaliyah Kamara felt a sense of unity at the event.“There's not a lot of us — not a lot of people of color,” Kamara, a third-year studying premedicine, said. “So when you all come together, it's encouraging people to join different clubs.”MORE NEWS COVERAGE</div></body>

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Penn State P.O.C Rally showcases culture, community

Crowding on the railings and staircase, students cheered for various multi-cultural groups performing in the HUB-Robeson Center for the P.O.C. Rally on Thursday, hosted by Penn State Student Affairs. Acts that performed at the rally included a cappella choirs, rock bands, dance teams and singers. A DJ played music at...