Kenan and Kel. Moesha. And a whole of other 1980s and 1990s nostalgia were part of the March 17 lock-in hosted by Detroit Mercy’s Impact Movement, a campus faith organization.
About 100 students from chapters at Detroit Mercy, Ohio University, Kent State University, Indiana University, Toledo University and Central Michigan University came to meet other students.
Students from each university were greeted in the Fountain Lounge with a wave of hellos, music and food.
Soon after, Impact Movement members were guided upstairs to the ballroom to play Speed Meeting (a spin off of Speed Dating). Everyone was asked to state name, school, year and major as part of an introduction.
Group breakout sessions took place afterward, and students played such games as Uno, Taboo, Black Card Revoked, CatchPhrase, Pictionary, Scattergories, Big Booty and Spoons to help to get to know one another.
“People really enjoyed themselves, especially when we were playing Spoons,” said Mijai Lewis, a junior. “It got really intense, but no one was harmed.”
Nicole West, president of Impact Movement Detroit, came up with the 1980s and 1990s theme.
“Most of us are born within those years and it’s nostalgic because you get to reminisce on some of your favorite things that have happened in your childhood, like the show ‘Kenan and Kel’ or Nickelodeon,” said West, a senior. “I thought while we come together for fellowship, we could reflect on that.”
Students were encouraged to dress for the time period.
Dressed as Moesha from the TV series was freshman A’Tearea Boggan. She said she chose Moesha because her family says that she resembles her.
Throughout the evening, rap battles, dance contests and minute-to-win-it challenges took place.
Cash prizes and gift cards were distributed to students for the best Instagram photos (hashtag #ImpactLockIn17) and to students with the best outfits.
Breakfast was offered the next morning, followed by the departure of students at around 6:45 a.m.
“It was a night to remember and hopefully they’ll do this again sometime because it was so much fun,” said Lewis.
West said that more events are to come, and she invites students to come to Impact’s Bible study every Monday evening in Engineering 134 from 8 to 9 p.m.
“I’ve been apart of Impact Movement for about two weeks,” said Boggan. “I like how inclusive they are.”
Boggan said that when she was part of other faith groups, she didn’t always feel as comfortable.
But ever since she’s been involved in Impact, it’s been nice.
She feels as if Impact offers a safe space, and likes how everyone is able to voice an opinion.
