Celebrating Unity and Culture at the 3rd Annual 19th Police District Black History Drill and Dance Competition
- Lynece & Jay Austin
- Mar 15
- 3 min read
The 3rd Annual 19th Police District "Black History Drill and Dance Competition" did not disappoint! On Saturday, February 14th, at Saint Joseph's University Hagan Arena, six drill teams and six dance teams commanded the floor with their presence, performance, and passion. This momentous event would not have been possible without the generosity of our magnanimous sponsors (sponsor list below).
From beginning to end, this was more than a contest; it was a tribute and a remembrance of a history steeped in struggle, forged through perseverance, and culminating in timeless resilience.
MC'd by Captain Nuble and Officer Ayers, each team was introduced and one by one, they took center stage; dance teams: The X-Perience Dance Company, The Deadly Divas Dance Team, Dance Inphinity, Dance Arama, Face Off Dance Company, and Quinn Center; drill teams: Madbeatz Philly, West Powelton Steppers and Drum Squad, Commandoes, Innov8tive Demand, PME Drumline, and Supreme Dynasty. Their performances told stories of our shared history, such as:
The Woman King (The Dahomey Amazons of Africa}
Denise McNair (11), Addie Mae Collins (14), Carole Robertson (14), and Cynthia Wesley (14) were killed in the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama
Elizabeth Coleman, the first black female pilot
George Stinney, an African American boy wrongfully convicted and executed at age 14 after a rigged trial
Through colorful, decorative clothing, coordinated marching, rhythmic drumming, and interpretive dance, performers skillfully told the stories of our ancestors. This event excited the audience with the spectacle and grandeur our history merited. The excitement continued with an energetic halftime dance-off suitable for all ages. The room was alive with laughter and smiles as Office Ayres mimicked Kiki Shephard from Showtime at the Apollo. Contestant winners received a variety of gift cards. Two attendees dressed as Madam C. J. Walker and Bob Marley added a legendary touch to the event.
After the final team performed, the judges deliberated, while "DJ Hass" brought rhythm and spirit to a packed dance floor. The line dancing was electric. On this day, music, joy, and history blended seamlessly in a celebration of culture. Then, the moment of truth arrived. Performers gathered on the arena floor to hear the judges' decision. MC Captain Nuble, who brought humor and enthusiasm to the event, made the announcements and presented awards as attendees cheered. West Powelton Steppers/Drum Squad, and Quinn Center Dance Team's passion and skill would earn them the grand prize of $2,000.00.
Dance Companies: 2nd Place Dance Inphinity ($1,200), 3rd Place The Deadly Divas ($800), 4th Place The X-Perience ($500), 5th Place Face Off Dance Co. ($300), 6th Place Dance Arama ($200); Drill Teams: 2nd Place MadBeatz Philly ($1,200), 3rd Place Innovative Demand ($800), 4th Place Supreme Dynasty ($500), 5th Place PME Drumline ($300), and 6th Place The Commandoes ($200).
This event was unforgettable. The 19th Police District's Annual "Black History Drill and Dance Competition" is sure to remain a cherished community event for years to come.
Again, we could not have brought this event to fruition without the generosity of our sponsors. We thank them for their continued support of this cherished tradition: ShopRite, Fraternal Order of Police Philadelphia Lodge #5, Penn Medicine Cares, Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr., Saint Joseph's University, 19th Police District, State Senator Vincent Hughes, Philadelphia Police Foundation, HairBuzz, Snipes, Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, 19th Police District Clergy, 19th Police District Advisory Council, Philadelphia Police, State Representative Morgan Cephas, Philadelphia Business & Technology Center, Wawa, State Representative Roni Green, Walmart, and Kanvas.
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