S.M.O.O.T.H Café 2025
On April 19th, over 100 Temple University students and Philadelphia locals gather at The Victorian Banquet Ballroom for the annual S.M.O.O.T.H Café - an evening of Black excellence, celebration, connection, and talent.
Photography and Written By: Jocelyn Hockaday
Temple University’s chapter of S.M.O.O.T.H (Strong Men Overcoming Obstacles Through Hard Work) consists of 21 brothers, with six members inducted in the Fall and eight more inducted in the Spring. S.M.O.O.T.H serves brotherhood, but so much more:
“There is an internal focus on personal and professional development, and an external focus on community engagement and connection with other student groups and organization around Temple University and The City of Philadelphia”, wrote Brandyn Roku, a Temple University graduate who earned a bachelor's degree in Health Professions with a concentration in Biology, and a former president of S.M.O.O.T.H.
With the theme of “Bouquets and Bliss” and sounds from itsdjdru, the doors opened at 3:30pm, and the ballroom quickly filled with tailored suits, gowns, and laughter.
“This year’s inspiration was simple: our mission this year was to bring back recognition to the organization at a face value, and by doing so we wanted to throw a “spring party” theme to bring everyone together and socialize for this years SMOOTH Café. The ‘garden’ aspects were a soft touch on the event and to give it flavor”, said Roku.
However, the evening only got started. As 5 p.m. approached, local Philadelphia performers and Temple University creatives take the stage. Singers, dancers, and rappers - such as Temple University Owlets , Sanai , and Juice had quickly hushed the crowd. Other acts included Barb, Adinas Heel, Proph, and Mike J.
“My favorite part was seeing everything come together! And the different performances of course. It was fun to see people getting into it”, commented Roku.
As the clock struck 6 p.m., the event paused for intermission, featuring catering by Perfect Platters. Attendees lined up for a flavorful spread that included sides like mac and cheese, rasta pasta, Mexican rice, fried rice, mashed potatoes, yams, and honey cornbread. The main dishes didn’t disappoint either, with options such as fried chicken, shrimp skewers, and baked wings served in bold flavors like Henny BBQ, hot honey, lemon pepper, and soy garlic.
“This is the first time I’ve catered an event and catering was a goal of mine that I wanted to achieve this year with my business. And this event was a very pleasurable event to cater for”, wrote Kharece Ogunnaike, a Temple University health professions major and 2025 graduate.
If you missed the banquet, you can still grab a plate from Perfect Platter’s - orders are available Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. via Instagram.
“Everyone in the organization was very supportive and help with helping me prep and get ready for the event throughout the week leading up to it. Both B.K. and Dave helped me with getting groceries and leaving their door open for anything I needed that week,” noted Ogunnaike. “On top of that they were very professional. We wrote up a contract and sign it, and made sure that I was paid both in advance and on time.”
As guests dined and celebrated, the banquet ballroom provided a welcoming setting, with ample indoor and outdoor space for seating, conversation, and photo ops. A photo booth and photographer Adbullahi Ali captured the joy of an unforgettable night.
“I just want to shoutout B.K. and Dave- they are amazing. From freshman year I watched B.K. go from a member to president,” wrote Ali. “Congrats to them, they are the hope and inspiration for the future!”
The evening wrapped up swiftly as doors closed at 7 p.m., but the memories and connections made are sure to last a lifetime. To stay updated on upcoming S.M.O.O.T.H. events, follow them on Instagram.
“It’s nice to see Black young men being leaders and supportive of one another,” wrote Ogunnaike.
