Committed to promoting diversity, Hill celebrated Black History Month on campus with the help of both the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council and the Black Student Union. Throughout February, these culturally-aware events provided Black students with the opportunity to find a smaller community within Hill. 

As stated by Dean of Spiritual Life & Equity Rev. Khristi Adams, the primary goal during this month was to “build a community around the Black students and give them a space to be together in solidarity.”

In Adams’ mind, Black History Month started with MLK week. After the entire Hill community came together to celebrate and honor Martin Luther King Jr. in late January, the transition into the month-long dedication to Black history was natural. Adams explained that she didn’t want Black History Month to be about educating people on a culture that is likely largely unknown to them. Instead, she stepped back and allowed BSU to support the Black community.

With Black History Month Kahoots, a traditional Soul Food dinner, and Thought of the Days, the group accomplished just that. These events were open to everyone at Hill, but many students who identify as Black took the opportunity to amplify their own voices. With each Thought of the Day, students became vulnerable as they shared personal anecdotes that other Black students could relate to. 

Other events occurred formally under the facilitation of student leaders. Olivia Kalu ‘22, the co-chair of the DEI council, emphasized that “[DEI] just helped with organizing but [BSU] were in charge of all the events.”

BSU co-presidents Dami Odubona ‘23 and Ross Busillo ‘24 organized cultural events every weekend. The first of which was a movie and painting night in the Warner Center, featuring the film “Friday.” Many Black students enjoyed having similar company around them in a comfortable space. 

The following event was a Soul Food Sunday Dinner with food supplied by Jade Johnson, assistant director of college counseling and testing coordinator. Coming together once again in the Warner Center, students honored the southern-rooted tradition that Adams described as “an inherent African-American tradition of gathering together as a family after church on Sundays.” The dinner was popular, with many students of different backgrounds in attendance as well.

BSU celebrated Black History Month with the same spirit in which other cultural efforts on campus are: with the ultimate goal of building community. Adams hopes to continue taking full advantage of such months where time is set aside to honor people from marginalized backgrounds.