On Saturday, November 10th, on the campus of Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI, Christian co-ed fraternity Alpha Omega sponsored “Created for Praise,” a totally free youthful concert event that featured dancing and singing. Alpha Omega started in 1994 and now consists of six chapters state-wide. Wayne State, Oakland University, Eastern Michigan, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State, and Western Michigan University.

The “Beta” chapter of Ferris State University was represented by Mrs. LyAshia Webb who was instrumental in the structure of the entire event. LyAshia expressed that it was her desire to create an atmosphere that displayed young college-age students maintaining salvation while “kicking it”. “Often as young people we feel we can’t live young because we are in Christ, well this event will prove that we can still dance, sing, and rap just as good as anyone!”

The headliner for this event was Canton Jones a holy hip hop pioneer who was nominated for two Grammy, and two Stellar Awards. Canton also won two Gospel Choice Awards. Releasing his first solo project in 2003, Canton has been a force to be reckoned with in the gospel music industry, moving 50,000 units from the trunk of his car!

There were several others who took the stage to perform as well. New Fluid, two young men who were called to serve God in dance amazed us with their contemporary routine. Alpha Lambda Omega, from the campus of Central Michigan University, also gave their own jazzed up steps to draw us in.

The male group, His Heir, hit the stage with hip and refreshing grooves and harmony that had the nearly all college crowd up and dancing! Be on the look out for His Heir hailing from Grand Rapids, MI. This three-man group is making noise throughout the underground gospel scene.

Another noteworthy performance was from the step team C.R.A.C.Y., which stands for “Christ Rose and Called You.” This step team was made up of middle-school-age girls from Macedonia Baptist church in Grand Rapids, MI, who gave a chilling performance to Tye Tribbett’s “I want It All Back.” Trust me when I say they got back what the devil stole from them, at least on that night!

When Canton Jones hit the stage he hit with energy and a spirit that most definitely had the crowd on their feet! With his tune, “There’s no other name,” he led the crowd in a call and response type anthem. After the first song it was apparent that the night was just beginning. The next song, “Birthday,” was made to celebrate your birth in Christ, which I thought was a great twist to encourage both young and old alike. Canton took the time to minister to the campus crowd and boastfully talked of staying true to your faith and what you believe. It was a compliment to his crunk-style worship to see that he can also worship the old-fashioned way. Often I’ve noticed gospel hip hoppers who can’t find the balance needed to worship and simply lift hands in reverence, however, Canton had no trouble switching gears to give praise to The Almighty! He ended the night with “Who doin’ it big” and another blazing anthem “Anybody Wanna Praise With Me” which left all of us wanting more.

I would like to congratulate Mrs. LyAshia Webb, the Beta chapter of Alpha Omega, and Ferris State University on a very successful event. It was one that served a great purpose and proved that God CAN be glorified through our youth and young adults.

For more information on Alpha Omega Co-ed Christian Fraternity contact Mrs. LyAshia Webb
Ashiawebb@yahoo.com

For comments or suggestions email me at Ken@chicagogospel.com