#a gala for the the black student Union on campus

[sugubby]

I have to serve cunt too many times in one weekend

[reeltoreal-cl]

Black TV Shows & BGLOs

In 2020, the United States is finally confronting its issues with racism in society as well as the entertainment industry. With that, there has been a surge in black content on various streaming platforms.

Television shows with predominantly African-American casts often feature a glimpse at special pockets of black culture. One pocket often featured is the cultural experience of pledging historically black fraternities and sororities, otherwise known as Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs). The five fraternities and four sororities that comprise BGLOs, affectionately called “The Divine Nine,” are officially known as the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).

Feature films tend to focus either on stepping, as with Stomp The Yard and Step Sisters, or the issue of pledging vs. hazing, as with School Daze and Burning Sands. Black sitcoms and other small screen productions, however, tend to explore BGLO issues with more nuance and humor.

A Different World - Ep. #216 - “It’s Greek to Me” - 1989 - NBC

Hillman College best friends Dwayne and Ron are in the midst of pledging fictional fraternity Kappa Lambda Nu. As time goes on, Dwayne becomes disillusioned with the process and argues with Ron over whether what they’re enduring is worth the benefits of the frat. Dwayne eventually drops line while Ron crosses into the brotherhood, and they see that their friendship can survive different paths. The matter is handled amicably and respectfully, and Ron is seen in future episodes as an active member.

Season 2 is when A Different World found its identity within the HBCU experience, as Debbie Allen took over the direction of the series after Denise’s character departed. Debbie and sister Phylicia Rashad are both Howard University alumnae, and Phylicia is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

A Different World - Ep. #421 - “Sister to Sister, Sister” - 1991 - NBC

Though no episodes depicted Whitley pledging, in this one Whitley oversees Kim’s pledge process for fictional sorority Alpha Delta Rho. Like its predecessor, the episode questions the pledge process itself, and further, the ethics of whether someone should pledge a friend. While Whitley defends her actions, Kim ultimately gets revenge when she over-seasons Whitley’s eggs with pepper. Whitley realizes she was being harder on Kim because they were friends, and learns how to be a better sister overall.

You can watch A Different World with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - Ep. #408 - “Blood is Thicker Than Mud” - 1993 - NBC

Once Will and Carlton matriculate to University of Los Angeles, they decide to pledge fictional fraternity Phi Beta Gamma. However, things take a turn for the worst when Will finds out he made the cut, but Carlton didn’t because he doesn’t “fit their image.” When Carlton finds out the truth, he reads them for filth in an iconic speech that defends his authenticity. There is no mention of the fraternity in the rest of their college experience.

You can watch The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air with a subscription to HBO Max.

Moesha - Ep. #224 - “Prom Fright” - 1997 - UPN

The episode begins with Frank reminiscing about Kappa Alpha Psi with his frat brother, complete with cane twirling and chanting, “I'm pretty on my left, I'm pretty on my right, I'm so damn pretty I can't sleep at night!” Frank believes his frat brother’s Harvard-bound son would be a good fit to date Moesha as an alternative to Q, but later finds out the boy isn’t interested in Kappa or anything Frank had hoped for. The boy even says he isn’t interested in organizations that perpetuate a “herd mentality,” a rarity in depictions of children with parents in BGLOs.

Moesha - Ep. #401 - “Moesha Meets Brandy” - 1998 - UPN

There is no discussion about Greek life in this episode, however, Moesha’s new college boyfriend Aaron and his frat brother show up wearing Kappa Alpha Psi shirts for their weekend trip to Big Bear.

Moesha - Ep. #407 - “A Terrible Thing Happened on My Tour of College” - 1998 - UPN

Moesha and her friends take a campus tour for prospective student weekend of Maynard University. Part of their introduction to campus is a step show featuring Omega Psi Phi, Kappa Alpha Psi (and Moesha’s ex Aaron from #401), and Delta Sigma Theta. This episode centers on Moesha grappling with the betrayal of a college student named Melvin drugging her drink at a college party, but thankfully Aaron comes to her rescue.

One of the writers on Moesha was Mara Brock Akil, who pledged Delta Sigma Theta at Northwestern University.

You can watch Moesha with a subscription to Netflix.

Sister, Sister - Ep. #608 - “Greek to Me” - 1998 - The WB

Like the transition from ABC to The WB, the show saw Tia and Tamera transition from high school to University of Michigan. As the twins are exposed to Greek life, Tamera finds her anniversary dinner plans interrupted when Jordan goes undercover for student newspaper to investigate hazing. Meanwhile, Ray tries to convince Tia to pledge Alpha Kappa Alpha, while Lisa tries to sway her towards Delta Sigma Theta.

Lead actor Tim Reid wore an Alpha Phi Alpha sweatshirt in this episode, as he pledged the fraternity at Norfolk Stage College.

You can watch Sister, Sister with a subscription to Netflix.

The Parkers - Ep. #101 - “Grape Nuts” - 1999 - UPN

As Nikki and Kim start Santa Monica Community College, they also decide to pledge the fictional Alpha Alpha Alpha, or “Triple A’s.” As they continue in the pledge process, however, Nikki becomes increasingly fed up, which leads her to tell off the sorority sisters. She drops the line while Kim goes on to cross.

This is a rare depiction of a mother and daughter on the same line, as well as an extreme age gap in pledges for a collegiate one.

The Parkers - Ep. #404 - “Meter Maids Need Love, Too” - 2002 - UPM

Kim and Stevie are troubled by three ex-cons pledging their same sorority. Meanwhile, a fictional fraternity pledge bothers Professor Oglevee and T. While some sororities have clauses against criminal records, this is a rare depiction of one in which women who’ve traded prison for college are able to participate.

You can watch The Parkers with subscriptions to Netflix and YouTube TV.

Girlfriends - Ep. #616 - “Game Over” - 2006 - UPN / The CW

The show’s transition from UPN to The CW coincided with Joan’s transition to “It Girl” with the success of her restaurant The J-Spot. In this episode she mentions that she will be honored at a gala for business women thrown by Delta Sigma Theta, and needs to ask one of her potential suitors to be her date.

With this show being set post-college, this reference is a reminder that sororities and fraternities continue to be involved in their communities well beyond the collegiate pledge process and for good causes.

Girlfriends creator Mara Brock Akil pledged Delta Sigma Theta at Northwestern University, and previously wrote on Moesha.

You can watch Girlfriends with a subscription to Netflix.

Luke Cage - Ep. #108 - “Blowin’ Up The Spot” - 2016 - Netflix

When the police bring in Mariah for questioning, Misty jokes with Priscilla, “Look, I was just about to compel her to make a statement before you let your little soror Skee-Wee on out of here.” This is a reference to Alpha Kappa Alpha, but Priscilla corrects Misty with, “Oo-Oop,” indicating that she and Mariah are members of Delta Sigma Theta instead.

Similar to Girlfriends, the show exists outside of the collegiate realm. Mariah is a politician and Prisicilla is an inspector, showing that women in these organizations go on to have prolific careers, in which they are often expected to have each other’s backs in various situations.

You can watch Luke Cage with a subscription to Netflix.

Dear White People - Ep. #104 - “Chapter IV” - 2017 - Netflix

With a blast from the past, this episode sheds light on Coco and Sam’s friendship as freshmen and how their different experiences affected it. Coco is eager to join fictional sorority Alpha Delta Rho, while Sam wants to join the Black Student Union. Alpha Delta Rho is more interested in Sam than Coco due to colorism, and when Coco finds out, she drops. When the sorority sisters later attempt to enter the Pegasus Party that Coco is in, she denies them access.

Colorism is a topic that many in the African-American community are finally beginning to have open conversations about. This is another rare depiction among portrayals of BGLOs, as it is a controversial part of the culture that speaks to issues of elitism.

Alpha Delta Rho may be a callback to A Different World, as it bears the same name and similar colors to Whitley’s fictional sorority. Early on in the episode, Sam even describes their historically black dorm “like a mini Hillman College.”

You can watch Dear White People with a subscription to Netflix.

Marlon - Ep. #208 - “Homecoming” - 2018 - Netflix

When Marlon and Stevie return to Howell University, Marlon is reunited with his frat brothers, with whom he founded a fictional fraternity for those rejected by the more popular ones on campus. Marlon looks forward to overseeing the latest line of pledges, until he realizes that Stevie is on line as an alumnus. It is later revealed that Marlon was the one who blocked Stevie from joining while they were in college, and Stevie becomes determined to prove his worth. Stevie ultimately completes the process, and the episode is punctuated by a step show.

You can watch Marlon with a subscription to Netflix.

While popular 90s sitcoms and TV shows in the late 2010s feature similar references to BGLO experiences, they often were able to host more complex conversations about them in the span of an episode, especially in regards to character values and relationship dynamics. Here’s hoping that as the new renaissance of black television takes place, we see even more diverse perspectives on these fraternities and sororities in relation to issues at large.

[torontotravelblog]

Things to do this week in Toronto

What's happening in Toronto April 22-26, 2019

MONDAY, APRIL 22 (EASTER MONDAY)

Spring into Easter at the Toronto Zoo: Join for special on-site animal encounters, daily Meet the Keeper Talks, the chance of catching a glimpse of our Veterinarians at work in the Wildlife Health Centre.

Easter Lunch at Miku Toronto: Celebrate Easter with a special menu only available for Monday.

Easter Day at MARBL: Celebrate this Easter weekend with family and friends. We'll be offering Easter exclusive menu items, as well as perfecting your dinner with a bottle of wine, hand picked by our sommelier.

The Best of The Second City: The Second City’s Touring Company comes home to Toronto for an unforgettable night of classic and original sketch comedy, along with hilarious unscripted improvisation.

Queer and Present Danger Collective: Spring Queening: Hosted by Bethany Daniels featuring Sam Sferrazza, Amethyst Barron and Jade Niles Craig. Headlined by Al Val.

Cher at Scotiabank Arena: Cher performs in Toronto with special guests Nile Rodgers and Chic.

Humber Valley Art Exhibition: This guild from Neilson Park Creative Centre presents an exciting juried art exhibition with a mix of subjects, styles, and media by their highly talented member artists.

The Wow: Fax My Life: The Wow returns for April for an office themed comedy spectacular. Toronto's all-star sketch comedy collective gives you a uniquely themed full-blown spectacle every single month..

TUESDAY, APRIL 23

Gene Domagala's Toronto Places, People and Buildings, Including the Beach: Local historian Gene Domagala reviews Toronto places, people and buildings of interest, including those in the Beach.

The Bourbon Excursion at Jump: Kick off the evening with a welcome cocktail before tucking in to a four-course dinner paired with J.B.’s finest bourbons. Featuring homestyle fare such as Mortadella Lasagna, Tamarack Farm Lamb Shoulder, and Peanut Butter Baked Alaska.

#PitchItYork at Seneca College Newnham Campus: Showcasing York Regions brightest entrepreneurs, Open People Network has partnered with Seneca HELIX for #PitchItYORK! Pitchit is an interactive and fun pitch event to help entrepreneurs showcase their company to potential clients and angel investors.

RSI Leadership Dinner & Dialogue Series: To explore how trusted AI can advance and sustain the competitive advantage of your business and the markets you serve, join our AI-focused dinner and dialogue for C-suite executives.

Caméra Stylo Launch Party! The Cinema Studies Student Union's Undergraduate Journal Caméra Stylo is having their annual launch party.

Kelvin Wetherell at Cafe Mirage: Cafe Mirage Grill and Lounge presents Kelvin Wetherell on Nov 6. The performance runs between 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm in the evenings with a 15 minutes break in between. Cafe Mirage is one of the leading restaurants in Scarborough.

101: Cannabis: Canna-Curious? Learn your CBD’s from your THC’s and join us for a conversation on all things cannabis. Our panelists will be able to answer all of your burning questions: from wellness to entrepreneurship, to education and responsible use.

Hot Breath Karaoke at The Handlebar: Ridiculous game show style karaoke, with prizes.

Westway Christian Church Food Bank: The Westway Christian Church Community Food Bank is open for clients to receive food on Tuesday evenings from 5-7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24

Fashion Art Toronto at Daniels Spectrum

Fashion Art Toronto is a showcase of contemporary and experimental fashion and arts The five-day multi-arts experience will inspire and intrigue guests through runway shows, photography exhibits, art installations, live performances and short films.

ALSO ON WEDNESDAY

Once Upon a Refugee: Chapter II - The Unrehearsed Plan: Once Upon a Refugee is a community education event celebrating the experience and contributions of refugees, hosted by North York Community House. The evening will have music, storytelling, food, and theatre.

Etobicoke Voters: Claim Your Right To A Vote That Counts! Fair Vote Toronto presents an information session on voting reform and Proportional Representation.

City of Toronto information session on aerial spray program for Gypsy Moth: The City of Toronto will implement an aerial spray program this spring in seven Toronto wards to protect the tree canopy and vulnerable trees from European Gypsy Moth infestation.

Blockchain Revolution Global: The first truly worldwide conference for blockchain in enterprise. Speakers include Imogen Heap, music maker & founder of Mycelia, who will also perform live at the EBA gala.

An Evening of Poetry Readings with Toronto's New Poet Laureate: Join Toronto's new Poet Laureate for a thought-provoking night of spoken word. In the first public appearance of his laureateship, Toronto's literary ambassador A.F. Moritz will be reading alongside three young poets at The Poet Presentation Centre.

Showtime! Disney Edition at The Drink: A live music showcase featuring performances by Aaron Bell, Michala Todd and Charlotte Ferrarei. This time they'll be serving you live Disney music.

Who run the world? QTBIPOC: A free drop-in workshop series on relationships for youth. Learn skills and connect with other 2SLGBTQ Black, Indigenous and youth of colour (16-29) at this Beyonce-themed workshop series on relationships-- with pals, family, partners and yourself.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

In Her Voice: Amy Spurway Crow Launch

Please join Amy Spurway in conversation with author Emily Saso at Ben McNally Books as part of the 'In Her Voice' event series. They will be discussing Amy’s debut book Crow, followed by a signing. Books will be available for sale.

ALSO ON THURSDAY

Digifest 2019: Digifest is a three-day design and tech festival as well as a startup event, organized annually by the Digital Media and Gaming Incubator at George Brown College.

Leadership & Social Entrepreneur Knowledge Cafe 2019: Seminar of interest to entrepreneurs, professionals, activists and mentors for the next generation of leaders.

16th Albert Lahmer Memorial Lecture: Andrew Larsen: Join Toronto children's writer Andrew Larsen, author of The Man Who Loved Libraries: the Story of Andrew Carnegie, for the Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books' 16th Albert Lahmer Memorial Lecture.

Art-Bound at Camp Tech: Have you heard about art journaling? Come and find out what the fuss is all about. The Art-Bound workshop is an introduction and exploration of art journaling.

Coco & Cowe presents Coco Con: Media: The second event of the Coco Con series. Catriona Smart and Halla Rafati will be joined by Vanessa Craft, Editor-In-Chief for Elle Canada.

Moonstruck at Bad Dog Comedy Theatre: By way of inspiration, its cast will take the details of one audience member’s dream to create a hilarious and magical show. Completely made up on the spot and never to be repeated, this show is sorta like a dream (no, better).

Cozy Fun Comedy Show at 120 Diner: Featuring: Velvet Wells, Sarah Ashby, Luba Magnus, Jesse Singh, Honey Bennett, Freddie Rivas, Desirée Walsh

RuPaul's Drag Race Viewing Parties: Fans of the hit reality television series can watch new episodes every Thursday at several spots around the city, including Apt 200, The Gladstone Hotel, The Beaver and Striker.

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

András Keller conducts the Royal Conservatory Orchestra at Koerner Hall

Hungarian violinist, Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of Concerto Budapest Symphony Orchestra, and founder of the Keller Quartet András Keller leads The Glenn Gould School’s Royal Conservatory Orchestra.

ALSO ON FRIDAY

Metric with July Talk at Scotiabank Arena: Toronto-based rock bands Metric and July Talk perform in Toronto.

Fairlawn Avenue United Church's 58th Annual Book Sale: Shop for gently used books, DVDs, CDs, and LPs.

David Newland CD Release: Newland's CD release party will take place at Hugh's Room Live.

Toronto Lit Up: Mike Barnes: Join Biblioasis and the Toronto International Festival of Authors in celebrating the release of Mike Barnes’ Braille Rainbow: Poems through Toronto Lit Up!

Dinner for Vegetarians in High Park: Join us to check out the all-vegan restaurant The Goods. Everyone welcome. RSVP via email.

Acid x Untitled presents Justin Cudmore at Black Eagle: Brooklyn's rising star of the Queer techno scene Justin Cudmore joins Aeryn Pfaff and Ceremonial at The Black Eagle. Hosted by Miss Moço. All genders welcome. No room for discrimination.

Flashback Friday: A Time Travel Cabaret: Come witness the past, present and future like you've never seen them before through some of the cities best burlesque, drag and gender performers.

Redwood Comedy Cafe: A weekly comedy showcase featuring Canada's top comedians at the intimate Redwood Cafe in Little India.

ONGOING

Jude Ifesieh presents: 'Beauty in Lines' at Visions Gallery: Jude Ifesieh has developed a unique style, building complex images from a myriad of simple, colourful strokes and dots. His resulting works express the innate beauty of life and nature, bursting with healing energy, fertility and fresh possibilities. Runs until May 12.

Art Show & Sale by Marley Berot at Starving Artist Restaurant: Trini-Ja Canadian Marley Berot is opening her first show at the Starving Artist Restaurant and Gallery at 467 Danforth Avenue. Her acrylic paintings will stay on the walls until May 18.

VideoCabaret: Too Good To Be True: A dark comedy by the marvelous playwright Cliff Cardinal, who recently won Double-Doras, and an Edinburgh festival award for writing and performing Huff. Runs until May 19.

Next to Normal at CAA Theatre: Winner of three Tony Awards, Next to Normal explores a suburban household affected by mental illness. With a gripping story and a surging contemporary rock score, Next to Normal is a raw depiction of a family in crisis trying to overcome the past. In production until May 19.

PRECIOUS: An Exhibition of Contemporary Art and Jewellery: By creating precious artwork and art jewellery from everyday and discarded items, Micah Adams, Christine Dwane and Lawrence Woodford remind us that our world is shaped by the decisions we make. Whether disposable or sustainable, beauty is everywhere. On display through May 23.

Being Japanese Canadian: Reflections on a Broken World at the ROM: Explore the original exhibition through the eyes of curators Bryce Kanbara and Katherine Yamashita. Runs until May 25.

The post “  Things to do this week in Toronto “ was originally seen on toronto.com by Whatson

IV Vitamin Drip Therapy Toronto Clinic - The IV Lounge

[nsula]

Homecoming set for Oct. 25-27

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University will celebrate Homecoming 2018 with a slate of activities, reunions, alumni gatherings, parade, pep rally and more beginning Thursday, Oct. 25 and continuing through Saturday, Oct. 27.

 Northwestern State’s School of Business will present the 52th annual J. Walter Porter Forum beginning at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 25 in Russell Hall Room 107.  This year’s theme is “Leadership and Empowerment:  Time’s Up,” centered on highlighting the importance of why all business professionals should lead in the fight against sexual harassment in the workplace.

 At 6 p.m. Friday, the NSU Black Alumni Association will host a BAA Alumni Mixer at Chateau St. Denis, 751 Second St.

 Events on Friday, Oct. 26 begin with the annual Homecoming Golf Tournament at 11 a.m. at the NSU Rec Complex.

 At 1 p.m. the Black Alumni Association will host “Life Lessons with Laughter and Love” featuring the Al Rucker Show in the Student Union Ballroom.

 Evening events begin at 5 p.m. with an alumni art exhibit, “Woodworking with Mike Wilson” at Orville Hanchey Gallery.

 The Homecoming parade will roll at 5:30 p.m. and will feature student groups, floats and throws. The parade will start at NSU’s main gate and will proceed down Second Street, turn right onto Rue Touline and proceed to Rue Beauport for a 6 p.m. pep rally on the Fleur De Lis Stage where the Homecoming Honor Court will be recognized and spirit groups will perform.  Following the pep rally, the Rockin’ on the Riverbank Homecoming Festival will take place on the riverbank.  Homecoming Awards will be presented to student groups at 7:30 p.m.

 An alumni jazz concert will also take place in the Alumni Plaza on campus starting at 6:30 p.m.

 At 7 p.m., the Black Alumni Association will host the Diamond Greek Life Show in A.A. Fredericks Auditorium on campus and the 1988 and 1998 football teams will gather for a reunion at Chateau St. Denis.  

 The AKA/Alpha Reunion Gala will begin at 8 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom.

 Downtown by the Decades will begin at 8:30 p.m. where alumni will meet up at specific locations by graduation year.  Alumni from the 1950s and 1960s will meet at the Pioneer Pub.  Alumni from the 1970s will meet in the main dining room at Merci Beaucoup while alumni from the 1980s will meet in the Merci Beaucoup banquet room. Alumni from the 1990s will meet at Bon Ami above The Landing.  Alumni from the 2000s will meet at Mama’s Blues Room and alumni from the 2010s will meet at Maglieux’s.

 The Black Alumni Association Diamond Life After Party will begin at 10 p.m. at The Edge.

 Events on Saturday, Oct. 27 will begin at 9 a.m. with the Breakfast and Bingo at Collins Pavilion

 Also beginning at 9 a.m., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will present a mentoring workshop in the Student Union Room 321.

 The N Club Hall of Fame Induction ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. in Prather Coliseum.

 The College of Business and Technology Outstanding Business Awards and Reception will begin at 11 a.m. in the Natchitoches Room in Russell Hall.

 A luncheon for past Homecoming Kings and Queens and past Mr. and Miss NSUs will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the Student Union Ballroom.

 A reunion luncheon for alumni of Sigma Tau Gamma will begin at noon in the President’s Room of the Student Union.

 At 1 p.m. the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development will host a reunion in the Commons Area of the Teacher Education Center.  A ceremony for honorees who will be inducted into the Hall of Distinguished Educators will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Teacher Education Auditorium – Pod A.

 Also at 1 p.m., the Alphas and AKAs will take a group photo at the front entrance of the Student Union.

 Tailgating activities in and around Collins Pavilion, Donald’s Demon Alley and the practice field will begin at 2 p.m.   The Black Alumni Association will host a tailgate and picnic at the practice field at 2 p.m.

 The Demon Regiment Open House and tailgate will begin at 3 p.m. at the James A. Noe Military Science Building.

 Pregame activities at Turpin Stadium will begin at 5:30 p.m.  Inductees into the Hall of Distinguished Educators and the Business Hall of Distinguished Honors will be recognized on the field at 5:45 p.m. Kick-off for Northwestern versus Houston Baptist will be at 6 p.m.

 Halftime ceremonies will take place at about 7:30 p.m. where the Homecoming Honor Court will be introduced.

 The Black Alumni Association After Party will begin at 10 p.m. at the Natchitoches Country Club.

 Times and locations for some events may be subject to change, so those planning to attend should check with the host to verify plans.  A detailed schedule of events is also available at northwesternalumni.com under Upcoming Events.

[hottytoddynews]

The Black Student Union, one of the oldest student organizations at the University of Mississippi, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a series of special promotions and events scheduled through March 2018.

“From its founding, the Black Student Union has remained steadfast in its mission to keep the University of Mississippi moving forward,” said Nekkita Beans, a senior social work major from Philadelphia and BSU president.

“To celebrate its successful perpetuity in its golden year, we, the executive members of the 50th governing board, hope to host events throughout the academic year that aligns with BSU mission and that is celebratory of this momentous occasion. Moreover, it is our desire to celebrate and fellowship with past executive officers and members of the Black Student Union at events hosted throughout the year.”

The year began with Beans’ State of the Black Student Union address to the African-American university community in September. She spoke about the progress that black students have made on campus and facilitated a discussion that explored needs and goals.

“This month, we hosted our third annual IAMBSU Week,” Beans said. “During the month of October, we will be dedicated to giving back to our students and the Lafayette-Oxford-University community.”

Events included a communitywide service project, a “Living the Legacy” social media campaign and a presentation aimed at educating the campus about the history of BSU at the university. The week ended with the BSU hosting a tent in the Grove for Homecoming.

Since February 2014, the annual Black History Month Gala has served to celebrate the progress of the campus community by recognizing African-American achievement on campus. The fifth annual Black History Month Gala is scheduled for Feb. 9, 2018.

“The 2013-14 BSU executive board saw a need to recognize African-Americans who dedicated their time and energy to creating a more diverse and inclusive atmosphere on campus and were going unrecognized,” said Shawnboda Mead, director of the university’s Center for Inclusion and Cross-Cultural Engagement and BSU adviser. “The gala will be open to the campus community, and we also welcome all past executive officers and members of the Black Student Union to attend.”

The golden anniversary celebration ends in March 2018 with the BSU hosting a brunch during Black Alumni weekend. This event will be advertised with the Black Alumni Weekend package. This will be an opportunity for students to make meaningful connections with alumni.

“It is our belief that the Black Student Union is a successful student organization today because of the diligent work of those who came before us,” Beans said. “Without a doubt, it has been the generous support and contributions over the years that has enabled us to accomplish our organizational goals.

“In the upcoming year, our leadership wants to be able to continue building on the legacy of our predecessors. We want to use this year as a time to honor them and to empower our current students through them, to show them that each and every day they are living a legacy and contributing to a greater story much bigger than their own.”

The BSU began March 25, 1969, with a group of students who saw the need to involve black students in campus decisions, request more representation on the faculty and more minority recruitment initiatives. After several protests by black students demanding that they are granted an official registered student organization, the group was officially recognized as a campus organization.

For more information about BSU golden anniversary events, visit http://ift.tt/2yFifSvus/ or contact Beans at umissbsu@gmail.com.

By Edwin B. Smith

For more questions or comments email us at hottytoddynews@gmail.com. 

The post UM Black Student Union Begins Golden Anniversary Celebration appeared first on HottyToddy.com.

[collegenewsupdates-blog]

BSU holds 4th annual Black History Month Gala

The Daily Mississippian The Black Student Union’s  4th Annual Black History Month Gala was held on Friday, February 3, 2017, in the Gertrude C. Ford Ballroom located in The Inn at Ole Miss. Deserving students and faculty are recognize for their inclusive work on campus and in the community. Read more

BSU holds 4th annual Black History Month Gala College News Updates

[hottytoddynews]

Kimbrely Dandridge. Submitted photo.

As she painted the walls at an underfunded inner city school in Chicago on a Black Student Union service trip, then-University of Mississippi sophomore Kimbrely Dandridge experienced a powerful feeling of community with her fellow UM students.

The trip, which was part of BSU’s observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service compelled the Como native to become more involved with the organization.

“We were visiting schools that were underfunded and heavily populated with minority students,” Dandridge said. “Quite a few of the BSU members had come from high schools across Mississippi, where society fed us statistics that a high school student from Mississippi could only go so far.

“We wanted to show the students at these inner city schools that opportunities were endless, and they could break ceilings and impact society. It was a great time to be able to share with the young students. BSU has always been about serving other students on campus or going out in the community to serve others.”

The university’s BSU, founded in 1968, celebrates its 50th anniversary with events throughout the 2017-18 academic year. The group’s golden birthday will culminate with a gala in February 2018.

Throughout the period of celebration, past presidents, former members, and current students will be profiled on the BSU website and on the UM website. Special anniversary content on social media can also be found using the hashtag #UMBSU50.

By her junior year, Dandridge, who graduated in 2013, had been elected BSU president after previously serving as the organization’s secretary.

The group worked hard to be a support network for students, she said. They set up committees to host events to let students know about career opportunities, helped them with job interview preparation and offered other resources for succeeding before and after graduation.

The organization also served as a “safe space” for Dandridge and other students where issues of race and race-related incidents could be discussed openly and freely, she said.

“Organizations like BSU are vital in the success of minority students,” Dandridge said. “It was a safe space for me because I knew I had a group of people behind me and they were going to be supporting me. BSU has provided that kind of support for many students.”

After serving as BSU president, Dandridge was elected Associated Student Body president her senior year. She credits BSU with showing her how to be someone others look up to.

“BSU really taught me how to be a leader,” she said. “It taught me the importance of discipline and integrity.

“I learned those core values within the BSU and how to grow as an individual in a community with people who do not look like me. It also taught me not to combat hate with hate.”

Dandridge’s leadership with BSU had a positive effect on both herself and the organization, said Val Ross, BSU adviser and director of the UM Office of Leadership and Advocacy who mentored Dandridge.

Her time as president served as a time for self-exploration and provided situational experiences from which Daandridge was able to glean deeply about the unique experience of her African-American peers, Ross said.

“Kim is committed to improve access in higher education and to increase resources and opportunities for African-Americans,” Ross said. “This life goal and the understanding of the complexities and development of strategies by which to feed her commitment provided a stronger foundation and building tools through her leadership with the Black Student Union.”

Dandridge credits Ross as a major influence in her life.

“She instilled in me the importance of professionalism and discipline,” Dandridge said. “I would not have been the student leader I was without her constant push and support.”

Dandridge graduated from UM with a journalism degree. She earned a law degree from Texas Southern University and is a business attorney at Butler Snow in Memphis.

The BSU’s 50-year legacy of ensuring minority students succeed on campus is impressive, she said, predicting that legacy will continue to grow.

“The BSU vision has expanded to help us realize we are not in this alone,” Dandridge said. “Its purpose is to see minority students succeed and be a part of something bigger than themselves.”

By: Michael Newsom

For more questions or comments email us at hottytoddynews@gmail.com. 

The post Kimbrely Dandridge Credits BSU Experience with Enabling Her Success appeared first on HottyToddy.com.