Swag Swap a Success

By: Lamesha Green (Whetstone staff writer)

They switched up the roles.

Wesley College presented its first Swag Swap competition Nov. 10, in Wells Theater.

The event was sponsored by Ally, SAB, and Howl at the Moon.

Three couples competed, switching gender roles imitating celebrity couples, Barbie and Ken, Jay-z and Beyonce, and Megan Fox and Ferrari.

“I really enjoyed being apart of Swag Swap,” said senior Shanna Bryant. “I had a great time doing my make up and practicing my man swag. Even though the event was pretty hilarious, I hope that it really increased awareness of the gay community.”

Swag Swap’s host, coordinator of student affairs LaDarius Thompson, brought the crowd to laughter.

“Being the Host was very scary,” he said. “I wanted to step out of the box while celebrating a tribute for National Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Queer culture month.”

Senior Marvin Bond was also asked to perform in Swag Swap.

“Swag Swap was a very good show and I feel like my performance added something special to it,” he said. “I believe my performance went well and as long as the audience enjoyed it I’m good. If I could do anything different I would have worn a better outfit.”

Three judges helped select winners Chea Sloah and Tamisha for their Beyonce and Jay-z impersonation.

“I loved being a judge during Swag Swap,” said legal studies assistant professor Charlisa Edelin. “It was a great idea and something very creative that got students to come out to enjoy.”

Sophomore Samantha Francis, treasurer of Ally, also was a judge.

“Swag Swap was well worth all the time, effort, and planning we put into it,” she said. “Ally is looking forward to planning more activities similar to this that students can just have fun and participate in.”

Students say they’re glad they went to Swag Swap.

“I thought the Swag Swap show was cool and very creative, It also was a way to bring awareness to the different types of sexualities that surround us everyday,” said Freshman Shane Robertson. “Swag Swap presented a view to me on letting people be who they are and not to be judge by it.”

Freshman Jabresha Nelson agrees.

“It was really interesting to see something like that here at Wesley,” she said. “I laughed so hard at the couples involved down to the comedy scene performances performed by LaDarius, Marvin, and the Marvinettts. I hope they have another one next year.”

Other students say Swag Swap didn’t meet their expectations.

“It actually appeared as a comedy skit instead of a drag show or race,” said sophomore Justin James. “But it was very funny and my friends and I all enjoyed every moment of the show.”

Winners received a $200 check, which they donated to the Wesley Legal Society, Tamisha Thomas’ major.

“It was a great experience and fun to be apart of swag swap,” she said. “But to be crowned the winner along with Chea Sloh put the icing on top.”