BLSU brings soul to campus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By: Lauren Alford

Staff Writer

The Black and Latino Student Union presented their first ever “Taste of Soul” dinner to a diverse and hungry crowd in celebration of Black History Month on Feb. 21.

The event took place in the Siek Campus Center, room 204. Attendees enjoyed soul food staples including multiple styles of chicken, cornbread and collard greens.

Students and members of the club ate and socialized while sociology professor, Tamu Chambers, Ph.D., discussed the origins of Black History Month and its significance in today’s society.

Accompanying the presentation was an array of pictures depicting black historical figures. A photograph of civil rights revolutionaire, Malcolm X, was front and center. The event was intentionally held on the anniversary of his assassination.

According to Chambers, the purpose of Black History Month is to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of black people in America and around the world, especially those that have been hidden. “The story still hasn’t been told,” she said.

As stated by Chief Diversity Officer, Ainsley Thomas, controversial black historical figures remain hidden while mainstream figures are accepted by the dominant culture. “The real experience that we’ve had hasn’t been delved into, so a lot of people are not aware,” he explained.

Thomas hopes for increased cultural awareness at future Black History Month gatherings. He wants the student body to take notice of the experiences of their peers. “We’ve only experienced one narrative about people who have been marginalized,” he said. “They are not the ones telling their story.”

At the end of the speech, Chambers closed with a recommendation to her audience. “Continue to keep educating yourself, everyday, every week, so that you can take that new information and spread it,” she encouraged.

“Black History Month can be often overlooked, so students were able to learn and celebrate it in a positive way,” said Tamia Peguero, business administration major and President of BLSU.   “This can help students in the future,” she said. “They can provide information on the great month and everyone who helped contribute to African American history.”

BLSU Vice President and business major, Brianna Ollivierre, believed that events like “Taste of Soul” will help educate students on important days for black history. “As long as we have something educational to highlight important dates such as today and this month, ‘Taste of Soul’ will continue to occur,” she said.

“I thought [the event] was great,” said Kilijah Crumpler, a Hudson Valley Community College alumnus. “There are a couple of people here who probably wouldn’t have learned about black history otherwise.”

Crumpler explained that events like “Taste of Soul” are necessary to help people understand what pain black people have historically gone through. “There are tons of black people doing positive things and making history that nobody knows about,” Crumpler stated. “We made black history today.”

Many students from around campus attended the event in support, and to learn more about their peers. “There are very good vibes,” Perpetua Hingi, a cybersecurity student, said. “I can tell that it’s a very diverse and inclusive place.”

“We had a great turn out,” said Peguero. “The room was completely filled with many students from all backgrounds,” she said. “We had food that can be originated back to African American culture, music and a presentation for students to know more about African American history.”

The music was manned on the turntables by Akiva. His playlist consisted of songs performed by black artists from various decades.

Among the many songs played were “No Scrubs” by girl group TLC, “Uproar” by rapper Lil Wayne and “Poison” by boy group New Edition.

Members of the BLSU club are looking forward to next year’s “Taste of Soul” dinner.