I Have a Dream...

Hey everyone!

Now that Black History Month is over, we would like to thank all of you for making it a success! We got a lot done this year, had a lot of new and exciting ideas, and celebrated the accomplishments of many African-Americans.

Here's a gift to you from us!



Keep the dream alive!

Love,
BSU

Souull FOOD!

Finally!

 Soul Food Night is always a very anticipated event at Whitman. Check out last year's pio coverage on the event by clicking here.

The menu was delicious, thanks to Bon Appetit, and we can honestly say it was a smashing success. In keeping with last year, we wanted to have topics that would sprout discussion. Sarah Deming ans Olivia Ware took the lead on this , printing out many quotes  and thoughts on food, and posted them in eye-catching areas all over Prentiss Dining Hall.

This of course got people talking (and eating)! about the scrumptious food they had waited so long for. And the jazz playlist put together by our own Yonas and Nick helped to liven up the mood. Even the basketball players were singing along!

Favorites on the menu included the delectable banana cream pie, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, greens, cornbread, grits, biscuits, and the sweet potato pie, of course!

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Mmmm, pie....

Yumm, yumm!

How could I forget the macaroni and cheese? It was by far the best I've ever tasted. 

And I'm not the only one with this opinion: hungry students were lining up with their tupperware to take food home and save for later!

Sarah knew all about this and came prepared: "I wore tight jeans so I wouldn't eat so much! Let's hope it works!" she gushed.

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A small sample of the salad bar and everyone's favorite, deviled eggs

Courtesy of Julia Bowman for The Pio

But good food is not all people came for; everyone also enjoyed the bonding moments and good conversation!

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Last year's BSU members at Soul Food Night

*Courtesy of The Pio and Ellie Klein

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Us, smiling for the camera!

It was a nice chance for us BSU members to catch up with one another over good food, have good conversation,  and for once to enjoy the product of all our hard work.

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Tish, me, and Tumi having a laugh and enjoying each other's company

Julia Bowman, The Pioneer

It's not a time we will soon forget.

And so together we cheered, laughed and wrapped up a successful Black History Month. Here's to hoping yours was as good as ours!

Love, 

BSU

Professor Vick's Talk

Thursday Februaruy 25th was the highly-anticipated talk by Professor Vick on Racial Prejudice and Obama's Presidency.

As the title suggests, the talk was very enthralling and interesting and all forty plus attendees were deeply focused on her eloquent words.

Vick's talk discussed the political age we are in now and whether Obama being elected as president has led America into a New Age of Tolerance or A New Modern Racism.

She highlighted through her talk that these two terms are more similar than they appear and addressed the fact that Obama's election has perhaps had more of a negative effect on racial prejudice than we realize.

The talk followed many studies done on measuring racism in relation to Obama, one of which interestingly suggested that some voters opposed Obama not because of his policies, party, or his progress, but his race.

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Political cartoon addressing the topic at hand

Further dampening our spirits, Vick presented news clippings that revealed an increasing rise in race crimes during Obama's campaign and how suddenly, race was not the elephant in the room anymore.

Vick speaks on the rise in race-hate crimes during Obama's campaign

The news was not all disheartening. Professor Vick ended her captivating reminding all that it is still early in Obama's presidency and perhaps, things will turn out for the better.

Here's to hoping change will come.

*All photos courtesy of Whitman's newspaper, The Pioneer.

Campus Event: Haiti-Past, Present and Future

With the 4th highest African diaspora population, it is no surprise that Haiti is yet another major focus for this years Black History Month. Along with its remarkable cuisine, the country boasts a rich culture and a fascinating history.

Come listen in on Professor Woodfork's talk, as she traces Haiti's historical path and discusses the chronology of events which have shaped Haiti into the nation it is today. 

What: Haiti - Past, Present & Future!!

Where: Maxey 102

When: Thursday, February 18th 

Time: 4:30pm

-------- SNACKS WILL BE PROVIDED!!---------

People to Know: Henrietta Lacks

 

Henrietta Lacks and her husband

Henrietta Lacks was a poor black tobacco farmer in the 1950s.   The first immortal cells ever grown were used from her tissue sample and were given the identity "HeLa cells".

Her cell were used in many scientific breakthroughs including developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, and vitro fertilization. Her cells were even sent to space during the first space missions to test determine possible effects on the human body.

Find out more about Henrietta Lacks at Smithsonianmag.com

BSU Dance Pt 2: Black n' White

People, people!

After much request, BSU put on an unheard of second dance this semester!

As you may all recall, the speakers blew out at the last dance and while the night was saved, BSU members overheard, were texted, facebooked, and received many requests for another one. We appreciated the love and after careful planning, we made it happen! Again.

Yeah, we're cool!

As Black History Month was fast approaching, we came up with the genius idea to open our event-packed month with the dance! The theme this year for BHM is "The History of Black Economic Empowerment" and Tumi, one of our co-presidents, tossed some ideas around for a dance theme that would blend with our month theme.

Allan listening to Tumi toss some ideas around

At last, we decided on the theme of Black n' White, which not only fits our theme, but looks cool and is classic--literally.

As was to be expected, the dance was another great success, and this time when party-goers walked out of the Ballroom's double doors, they did so feeling satisfied.

Yeah, wassup!

We also raised another thirty-five dollars towards Haiti and Partners in Health for a grand total of nearly 600 dollars! Way to go Whitman, and BSU!

People to Know: Michael Eric Dyson

Michael Eric Dyson is the author of sixteen books, ranging from Tupac to Bill Cosby to Martin Luther King, Jr., on issues facing Black America. He is celebrated for his interest and discussion of hip-hop and the culture that surrounds it, as well as its roots in African and African-American cultures and its influence on American popular culture. In addition to his writing career, Dyson juggles the great responsibility of being the University Professor of Sociology at Georgetown University.

Check out some of his famous works like Why I Love Black Women, Holler If You Hear Me, Know What I Mean?, and Come Hell or High Water on his website www.michaelerickdyson.com.

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