ALYSSA BUMP
Special to The Leader
February may only have been 29 days, but Fredonia’s Black Student Union made each one count.
February is Black History Month, a month that celebrates and remembers people of African descent.
This month reminds people to dig deeper, celebrate their race and remember the importance of black history.
In President Ford’s own words, he wanted America to “Seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
According to Terron Brown, Black Student Union’s president, “BSU’s mission is to promote a feeling of unity and pride amongst students of African descent and other members of the college community, while bringing awareness to social and cultural issues. This is extremely important to us because Fredonia has a black community on campus that needs space to just exist. We aim to be that space.”
Black Student Union has hosted a number of events during Black History Month.
On Feb. 2, they started off with an Opening Ceremony to celebrate a joyous month. Food was offered, and it was free to enter.
Following the Opening Ceremony, BSU organized a Black Solidarity Week.
Similar to a spirit week, it spanned from Feb. 3-7. The themes of the week included Twin Tuesday and All Black Friday, just to name a few.
Immediately after, BSU presented an art workshop with DNTWATCHTV. This event took place on Feb. 8.
On Feb. 12, they hosted an event called “Still I Rise.” This event was described by BSU as, “An intimate gathering expressing microaggressions followed by an exchange of empowerment.”
An event like this is important, Brown noted, especially because Fredonia is a predominantly white campus.
On Valentine’s Day, BSU had a viewing of the movie, “Poetic Justice.” The documentary, “Hidden Colors” was also viewed during February.
Tavonia Evans, a successful app creator, came to Fredonia on Feb. 17 to explore black chain and cryptocurrency. She also discussed building generational wealth.
Dark Yogi spoke on Feb. 20 about how to overcome childhood and sexual trauma.
The last event for Black History Month was the Closing Ceremony, which took place on March 1.
The evening started out with music and mingling. Anyone was welcome to come to this event.
Similar to the Opening Ceremony, this event was free and offered great food.
Thanks to FSA Catering, guests were welcomed to feast on salad, rice and beans, mac & cheese, fried chicken, fish and cake.
Before the attendees ate, however, they were treated with an outstanding performance from Divine Sound.
This gospel choir performed the Black National Anthem and “Rain.”
Videos of the performances are available for viewing on Instagram @divinesound_.
To end the ceremony, Nelson Clark, the event coordinator, gave an overview of the events hosted during Black History Month.
A general body member of Black Student Union was honored at the ceremony, Marie-Anne Conde.
She was given the opportunity to speak to the audience, where she expressed how grateful she is to be a part of a diverse group at Fredonia.
Each time someone attended a BSU event during Black History Month, their name would be entered in a raffle. At this ceremony, seven awards, ranging from gift cards to DVD sets, were given to people who were drawn from this raffle.
The five executive board members that were seniors also received gifts at this ceremony, which were cords to wear at graduation.
Brown said, “Closing Ceremony is a great way to end Black History Month by honoring those who have supported us throughout the month, as well as to just celebrate together in one space. We love to give back to members as much as we can.”