A key aspect of sporting events on campus, such as basketball or football games, is the cheerleaders. Their glistening pom-poms, large megaphones and cream and crimson uniforms are the pinnacle of school spirit.

But IU freshman Jayvon Montgomery noticed something missing upon coming to IU. A Stomp and Shake cheer team. While many high schools have them, IU lacked this style of cheer.

Stomp and Shake is a cultural style of cheer that involves loud stomping and rhythmic chants. At IU, a predominantly white institution (PWI), this type of group didn’t exist.

So, Montgomery founded Black Crimson.

“I created a space where everybody can feel safe to do it, engage and indulge with each other, and do something that we’re used to,” Montgomery said.

Starting a club from the ground up, especially at such a large university, could’ve been a lot more difficult than it actually was, Montgomery said. He was already well-established within the university and familiar with the Office of Student Affairs.

It was the great support system that made it easier on him.

“Having those people around me helped me with the process,” Montgomery said.

Black Crimson Executive Board

IU freshman La'Quera Williams and other members of Black Crimson performing.

Members of Black Crimson performing.

Members of Black Crimson performing.

Black Crimson performs at multiple events around campus, though Montgomery’s favorite was the African Student Association‘s benefit dinner.

“Just to be a part of that and perform and bring the light, and bring some new faces they probably wouldn’t have got, I feel like that was a good performance for us,” Montgomery said.

Black Crimson is focused on not only bringing the spirit to IU, but teaching real life skills members can use every day.

Montgomery knows this all too well. As President of the group but also being friends with all the members, he tows the line between being authoritative and friendly.

“Black Crimson makes it a space where we learn leadership and we learn skills. Having that respect for me as a peer already, it’s like ‘OK, when we get into this space we’re here for go time, we’re here for work, and we’re here to get better,'” Montgomery said.

As a large majority of Black Crimson’s members are freshmen, they are constantly looking into how the group can progress in the next three or so years.

IU freshman Nevaeh Smith, a member of Black Crimson, hopes expansion is in the group’s future. Because the style of cheer encompasses cheer, dance, step and more, Smith hopes it breaks off into different sectors.

“Hopefully expanding, spreading the word and making different branches,” Smith said.

For Montgomery, the group’s progress also looks like expansion. But for him, it’s not internal expansion, it’s expansion to different areas of the state.

“My wildest dream I guess would be branching off to other IU campuses, having Black Crimson around all IU’s,” Montgomery said.

Although it’s in its first year, the group has already made their name known at IU.

“We’ve brought some cheers that have kind of shaken the room a little bit,” Smith said. “Had people like ‘Oh, who are they?’ And through our performances, we’ve spread the word.”

To join Black Crimson, visit their page on the BeINvolved site.