Biggie from “Baddies” hosts “Jeopardy!” event at SU
Biggie from “Baddies” hosts “Jeopardy!” event at SU
Meet Damerlin “Biggie” Baez, from the reality TV show Baddies, as she joined multicultural organizations at Syracuse University for a Jeopardy! event.
Damerlin “Biggie” Baez, from the reality TV show Baddies, danced down Syracuse University’s Grant Auditorium aisle on Thursday, kicking off a lively Jeopardy! event celebrating multiculturalism. With “Hay Lupita” by Lomiiel blasting through the speakers, Baez, dressed in a belted jean dress with a custom purse draped across her body, excited the crowd.
The Jeopardy! event, part of SU’s Tantalizing Theta Tau Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.’s Founders Week celebration, was in collaboration with The Thrillin’ Theta Xi Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and the Dominican Student Association (DSA). Hosted by Baez, the night brought together historically BIPOC organizations and students across campus.
Wanting to collaborate and bring more Dominican representations to SU’s campus, the organizations brainstormed ideas and decided on the Jeopardy! night. Sule Imansalim, Treasurer of The Thrillin’ Theta Xi Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., has younger sisters who watch Baddies. Inspired by them, Imansalim considered Baez a potential host and found her email through her Instagram page.
“It feels like it’s really cool and dope that she’s here because she’s Dominican,” DSA graphic designer Camila Guerrero said. “I’m Dominican, my culture’s everything to me. All my family members are Dominican.”
Baez stood on the Grant Auditorium stage surrounded by Syracuse students, pointing to her videographer and showing him what angles to film a Glamorous Gaia Chapter of Mu Sigma Upsilon Inc. jacket with a Dominican flag patch.
“I kinda always knew that I was going to be someone important. I didn’t think I was going to be in front of the camera,” Baez said. “I do a lot of behind-the-scenes work. I’m a producer.”
Baez captivated the crowd with her high energy while dancing Merengue, a traditional Dominican dance style. The audience followed her movements across the stage with their eyes. Baez expressed the importance of Afro-Dominican representations and ‘risking it all’ to her fans.
“Especially here in America and out where I’m from, it just means a lot, and it’s kind of scary,” Baez said. “Every single time that you have a chance to risk it all, put it all on the line. Jump, put your faith in it, and put God first.”
Baez responded to one of her fans’ “I love you” with “I love you too,” forming her hands into a heart symbol for the audience members. Baez tripped out on stage with a “Sigmas Team” member, a viral TikTok dance originating from a New Orleans dance style.
Audience members surrounded Baez on stage to take photos with her before the event ended. She greeted each person waiting to meet her with a smile and a handshake, engaging in playful conversations with the audience members.
“Okay guys, well you already know it’s ‘Big Biggie Not the Little One,’” Baez said. “We’re here with The NewsHouse and this is a promise coming from PVDBiggie: If you guys give me, minimum, like 300 students with all A’s, I will come to the graduation this year free of charge.”