Photo By Luke Waldner
By Kelly Waldron
BSU kicked off their Black History Month events with an MLK Lunch and Learn Presentation on Feb. 1, followed by a Community Poetry Night in Degenstein Theater later that day.
The poetry night, hosted by The Black Student Union, SU Slam Poetry Club, Student Activities Committee and The Student Government Association, started the African American Poetry Series, which originated at Susquehanna back in 2022. This poetry series continued throughout February with guest poets Queen Sheba on Feb. 22 and Ebony Stewart on Feb. 23, as well as a “Black AF” poetry masterclass with professor Monica Prince on Feb. 20.
The Community Poetry Night had performances from 12 talented BSU members and special guest performances by professor Monica Prince and Athletic Director Sharief Hashim. Students and faculty read original poems and performed songs they felt related to Black History Month.
BSU President, and one of the hosts for the evening, Nala Washington said, “To bring this event to life on campus, to share my words on the stage, and to coach other spoken word poets to perform their words on the stage was and is exciting.”
From poets and performers familiar with the stage, like Washington and her fellow host Kayla Reed, to debuting performers, such as first-year students Ayla Kerwan and Dorian Loggins, the entire night was a beautiful collaboration of artistry.
However, the Black Student Union outdid themselves when they sold out Isaac’s Auditorium in less than two days for their 4th Annual Black Excellence Showcase on Feb. 10. According to Washington, it is BSU’s most anticipated and remembered event of Black History Month.
This 18-act performance showcased 17 BSU performers, two special guests and an art show during intermission.
Performers Bobbi Newsome, Daniel Bradley, Ayla Kerwan, and Hannah Getz all read original poems. Whereas Jazmyn Moodie, Chandler Scott, Deja Boston, Tyshira Kearse, Kyra Knight, Hannah Getz, Kayla Reed, Daniel Bradley, and Nala Washington all sang for the showcase. Joy Smith, Elijah Robertson, Zaza Bey, Lillie Cooper, and Xiomara Washington were the show’s dancers, and Kyra Knight was the sole piano player of the night.
But you did not need to be an SU student to take the stage that night. Bucknell University’s XI Kappa chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity started the night with a step/stroll performance that immediately got the audience excited for the showcase.
Even the SU alumnus from the class of 2023 and a past BSU member, Temitayo, was invited back to end the night with a collection of his original songs.
Overall, it was a jam-packed night with hosts Ajani Lomax, BSU’s first-year representative, and Jason Stevens, BSU’s recruitment chair, keeping the audience engaged and excited. The audience was even entertained with an art show during intermission, which displayed works from Logan Danvila, Carmen Moore, Jaylin Pride, Caleb Ukuni and Tatiana Winston.
With over 50 students, faculty and advisors working together to organize and rehearse this showcase, the Black Student Union put together an incredible night. Washington said she and her hard-working team have no regrets because, “there’s no feeling like watching your show come to life the night of with a packed audience.”
The Black Student Union continued to host events such as a Superbowl Watch Party with the Student Activities Committee, “A Very Black Valentine” crafting event on Valentine’s Day, a Black History Month Bakesale in lower Degenstein and a Hip-Pop Workshop on Feb. 21.
Although Black History Month is ending, the Black Student Union left campus with something to remember year-round. Their representation of culture, diversity and incredible talent is something unforgettable.
