UNC Charlotte’s Black Student Union Hosts Kick-off Party to Start the Black History Month Celebrations

Charlotte, NC – February 19, 2024

The Black Student Union (BSU) at UNC Charlotte recently hosted a lively Kick-off party on February 1st at the Popp Martin Student Union to mark the beginning of Black History Month celebrations. The event was a collaborative effort with 15 other organizations, including Cheer Nation, Souls Speak, and The Organization of African Students (OAS).

“Planning an event with various organizations can be difficult, but for this event, the process went smoothly. Thanks to BSU, the details were very thorough and highly organized in a spreadsheet that allowed organizations to sign up for set up and clean up slots, as well as working different stations during the event,” said Cheer Nation.

The Kick-off party featured a DJ, pizza, and painting activities for students to kick off the month’s festivities. Approximately 400 students attended the event, which was a vibrant celebration of unity and culture.

BSU’s President and fourth-year student, Anisha Griffin, emphasized the importance of Black History Month and the significance of honoring the achievements and struggles of African Americans throughout history. “Black History Month is important because it celebrates all the sacrifices, challenges, and accomplishments of African Americans who fought long and hard to get society to where we are today. Their fight was not just one person but a movement of all people, and having Black History Month gives people like me a chance to honor and preserve their achievements,” said Griffin.

Esther Koroma, the president of OAS, expressed that despite the challenges posed by a false active shooter alert earlier in the day, the event was a success. “With the false alert, the shooting caused some uproar on campus about safety, and students not feeling open to partying after a false scare from earlier that day. After realizing it was a false alarm and seeing the determination from BSU to continue with the program, it wasn’t difficult to maneuver. Staff from the Office of Identity, Equity, and Engagement were present and made sure students were being safe while also enjoying the celebration,” said Koroma.

Upcoming Black History Month Events

UNC Charlotte’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion announced several other events planned for Black History Month. These include:

Rest and Wake Up: Your Fullest Power and Potential

Date: Monday, Feb. 19
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: Popp Martin Student Union, Room 340
Description: Octavia Raheem, award-winning author, meditation teacher, and rest coach, will facilitate a communal rest space for BIPOC students to awaken their fullest potential through the power of rest.

Black History Month Trivia

Date: Friday, Feb. 23
Time: Noon-1 p.m.
Location: College of Health and Human Services, Room 376
Description: Faculty, staff, and students are invited to participate in Black History Month trivia to celebrate the achievements and contributions of black individuals.

Trap Yoga

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 28
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: University Recreation Center, Studio 212
Description: The Black Student Union is hosting a session of Trap Yoga for participants to unwind and destress.

Black History Month Dinner

Date: Thursday, Feb. 29
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: SOVI
Description: An evening of celebration and reflection with a special Black History Month Dinner.

For more information on these events and other Black History Month activities, visit the Office of Diversity and Inclusion website.