By Bhavita Kopparthi
The month of February is often associated with love not only because of Valentine’s Day, but also because of love for culture. In particular, Black History Month! This month, NCSSM’s Black Student Union—including directors Hayley Williams ‘26, Cornelia Okonkwo ‘26, Myles Pitts ‘26, Xiomara McMasters ‘26, and Chizara Igokwe ‘26—was able to showcase Black culture through numerous events and activities. One of their main events was the BSU Block Party which was primarily planned by the club’s Junior Event Planning Committee. Pitts says that although we do learn about the Civil Rights movement and other pivotal moments of Black history, “We need to focus on the joy that can come with Black culture now, and I think that’s what we really achieved at the block party.” On Friday, February 20th, students came together on Hill Street to celebrate Black culture with food, music, games, booths, and more.
BSU also hosted a spirit week to get NCSSM students excited for the month. Historically, Black people have used fashion to make statements. In the 1950s and 60s, Civil Rights activists set a dress code for their protests and marches. Participants were told to wear their “Sunday Best” in order to command respect. By dressing elegantly, activists hoped to shift the stereotypes about African Americans.
In the 60s and 70s, the Black Panther Party, a Black liberation group, fought for Black rights, better housing, education, food, protection, and more. The party members sported their trademark uniforms during demonstrations: black leather jackets, black pants, and sometimes their hair in an afro and a beret with the party’s insignia. This clothing helped empower the group, showing unity and perseverance. The National Museum of African American History and Culture states, “During a time when gender roles were evolving and women presenting themselves as militant was modern, the imagery of Black Panther Party women wearing berets and carrying guns was revolutionary” (More Than a Fashion Statement). Although women still weren’t always treated justly, the unisex uniform helped them gain more equality within the organization.
The next task for BSU is the upcoming AfricaFest. Myles says that although the Block Party was a great way to generate excitement, during the Fest hundreds of attendees will be able to see “the joys of the Black experience.” He also adds that “We want to connect it to serious problems that we are having in the modern day, especially politically, because [these problems] largely affect Black people but also other minority communities.” With the current state of our country, it is important to take time to appreciate all the cultures around us. Pitts explained that the political issues that many are facing today can be drawn parallel to past Black struggles. During AfricaFest, BSU aims to depict these stories on stage and excite an appreciation for African culture in the NCSSM community.
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