A Night to Remember: UMass’ Black Student Union hosts annual Black History Month Showcase
By: Christmaelle Vernet
As Black History Month rolls to an end, UMass’ Black Student Union organized its annual Black History Month Showcase on Feb 26. BSU released a statement earlier this month describing the event as “a night to celebrate our Black community and all the talent within it. It’s not one you can’t afford to miss.” The showcase took place in the Student Union ballroom, beginning at 7 p.m. and concluding at 10 p.m.
It is a semiformal event accompanied with a color palette guests are encouraged to wear , with this year’s theme being modeled after a sunset. The showcase’s main focus is being a platform for various talents from Black UMass students and celebrating the Black Diaspora. The menu reflected these aspirations, serving dishes from African, Afro-Caribbean and African American cultures. Guests enjoyed plates of Jollof rice, macaroni and cheese, sweet plantains, fried and jerk chicken, etc. Performances ranged from singing acts to spoken word submissions as well as dynamic dance performances that left the audience on their feet.
The show was opened by upcoming rap artist Kid Fob. Performances by the UMass Gospel Choir, the award-winning Insanely Prestigious Step Team, SOCA (Students of Caribbean Ancestry and the UMass Brotherly Union were also included.
In between acts, the audience engaged in multiple crowd games such as a fashion show showing off some of UMass’ best dressed, as well as a dance contest where guests got to show off some of their best dance moves. Together with a DJ, who played music from a variety of different decades such as the 90s and 2000s.
The evening concluded with a dance party, where participants were able to dance to some of their favorite Black classic line dancing songs such as the “Cupid Shuffle” and “Jersulama”. Closing out the event with fun, community and culture.
The Rebirth Project 