In observation of Black History Month, the College of the Holy Cross community will celebrate events sponsored by the Black Student Union throughout the month of February.
"American history is incomplete without Black history,” says Vicmarys Brito ’15, co-chair of the Black Student Union. “In order to understand the state that our nation is in today we all need to understand Black history, American history.” Brito, a history major with a concentration in Latin American and Latino Studies from Lynn, Mass., %20" target="_blank">reflected on justice during the Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast held at Holy Cross on Jan. 20.
“Black History Month presents a unique opportunity for us an organization to educate the Holy Cross community on Black history and its impact on our society,” adds Oluwaseun Oke ’15, a chemistry major from Newark, N.J., and co-chair of the BSU. “When many students think of Black history, they typically think of prominent Black figures but we hope the events we have planned for the month will uncover some new aspects of Black history that are usually overlooked."
Dawn Porter, an attorney, civil justice crusader and award-winning documentary filmmaker, will deliver a speech exploring the current American justice system on Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. in the Hogan Ballroom. The talk is free and open to the public.
Her work examines and questions a system in which 12 million people are arrested each year and millions of those cases proceed through the criminal justice system. It is not uncommon for lawyers to handle hundreds of cases at a time. Porter directed and produced the award-winning “Gideon’s Army” documentary, which follows three young, idealistic public defenders in the deep South struggle against long hours, low pay and staggering caseloads to ensure justice is served for America’s forgotten poor.
A dinner will precede the event at 5:30 p.m. in Hogan Suite A, and a meet and greet with Porter will follow at 8 p.m. in the Dunn Reception Area.
Founded in 1968, following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the BSU is committed to educating the Holy Cross community about the importance of heritage, the affirmation of identity and the legacy of achievement. Emphasizing the academic, cultural, social, and political development of its members, BSU aims to provide a support system for African American students and all members of the Holy Cross community by creating an environment that promotes leadership, embraces identity and encourages diversity.
The events complement the College’s HC in Solidarity initiative, which invites students, faculty and alumni to explore together — through events, conversations, panel discussions, common readings and other academic and cocurricular programs — the reality of what it means to live as a community in solidarity today. Learn more on the Holy Cross in Solidarity website.
The following events are open only to the Holy Cross community.
BSU Motown 10-Spot
Feb. 3
10 p.m.
Hogan Crossroads
The Black Student Union and Campus Activities Board present the Motown 10 Spot to kick off the Black History Month celebration. Motown played an important role in the racial integration of popular music as an African American-owned record label, which achieved significant crossover success in the 1960s. Motown music is a style of soul music with pop influences. This 10 Spot will feature student performances of Motown music.
BSU Fashion Show: Fashion Meets Music
Feb. 6
Hors d’oeuvres: 7 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m.
Mechanics Hall, 321 Main Street, Worcester
The Black Student Union presents its 17th Annual Black and Gold Fashion Show. This year’s theme is music awards which will feature different music genres. The music genres include blues, jazz, doo-wop, soul, rock ’n’ roll, R&B, pop, and hip-hop. The clothing, hair, make-up, accessories, and music will express a different genre. Be ready to enjoy great fashion, music, delicious appetizers from Struck Catering, and student performances. Ticket info: $12 for appetizers and show, $10 for show only. Tickets can be purchased at the Hogan lobby tables during the last week of January and the first week of February, or by emailing Oluwaseun Oke ’15 at oaoke15@g.holycross.edu or Vicmarys Brito ’15 at vbrito15@g.holycross.edu.
Demonstration
Feb. 9-Feb. 13
Hogan 1 Copy Center
Demonstration Follow-up Discussion
Feb. 12
5:30 p.m.
Hogan 304
The Black Student Union will display visual representations of the mass incarceration of black and brown men in the United States. The images and art pieces, which will be displayed throughout the entire week, will be an attempt to show the lived experiences of black and brown men in this country. The event will also provide understanding and a space for Holy Cross to stand in solidarity. A discussion will follow.
BSU’s Black Love Event
Feb. 19
6-7 p.m.
Hogan 406-407
Yvesh’a Bellevue ’16 and Elena Ferguson ’17 will moderate the panel and audience discussion. This year’s questions will be centered on recent events and whether black lived experiences have an impact on black love. The panelists will vary between students, faculty and staff.
Black Staff Appreciation
Feb. 20
5-7 p.m.
Hogan Suite B/C
The Black Student Union presents its second annual Black Staff Appreciation event. Students, faculty and staff will be invited to celebrate all the hard work and support of black faculty and staff on campus. Faculty and staff who have been at Holy Cross for 15 years will be honored. All faculty and staff in attendance will leave with a giveaway.
Media Coverage
- Telegram & Gazette, Feb. 24: Crusader Speaks to Crusaders
