By Isabella Bercan
On February 11th the Black Student Union (BSU) and the Center of Cultural Liberation came together to host the long running Food and Music Festival, one of the many exciting events occurring during Black History Month. “The Food and Music Festival has been here for years…stretching back to the 80s or 90s. The Black Student Union has been one of the most consistent organizations on campus.” Leila Robinson, the BSU President shared.
Robinson stepped into this role her junior year here at Dominican. But she was always involved with the BSU executive board. “Going from treasurer to vice president and then president…the role basically consists of making sure to build community.”
The festival had a huge turn out with students stopping by to grab a plate which included options such as greens, mac and cheese, chicken, and a wide assortment of sweet treats. Students dancedto the music, played games like UNO, hopscotch, and touched up on their Double Dutch skills.
Robinson continued that the festival is a way to display the culture to the students, “…Black students only make up about five to eight percent of the population at Dominican. So, it feels that there might not be a lot of other students who might be able to relate to us in that aspect because different backgrounds different cultures…it’s nice to be able to share that and have people experience a part of our culture. I also think it’s a good space that encourages other Black students to get to know each other…”
CCL Leaders such as Yessenia Hernandez, associate director of the CCL and undocumented student support coordinator, helped with the event. “Today, we were celebrating our food and music festival…it’s our kickoff to Black History Month. It’s meant to bring community together and connect with students. But also coming into a collective, having a joyful moment in solidarity with one another, while also doing it with food and with music.” She shared.
The BSU strives to foster a safe space for Black students, “let’s say there’s an experience that a Black student had where they feel like they can’t talk to a professor or an advisor about it…we’re here so Black students have an idea and a space to say their own ideas.” Robinson explained.
She went on to share it’s not just about hosting events such as the Food and Music Festival because “it’s on a schedule” but it’s because students’ voices transform into an event itself. “We encourage leadership, communication, and creativity…”
While Black History month takes place in February the BSU has much more to share all year around and hopes Dominican can take part in that too. “Dominican tries it’s best…but Dominican only focuses on Black excellence when it comes to February…otherwise it feels like we’re shadow characters in the back.” Robinson went on to explain it isn’t just her own singular experience, but this is something other students feel and share with her. She believes while Dominican is doing its best every day and is an involving university…it could do better. “…just by listening to students’ voices and actually involving us and in us outside of February.” She added.
Christiana Dew the special events coordinator in the CCL highlighted how the festival showcases community, “…it’s just a welcoming space, it’s a chance for students, not only African American students but all students who feel welcomed…to share love of culture and community…’
As President of the BSU Leila Robinson shared, they have so much to offer the Dominican community in and outside of February and all are welcomed to join the BSU. “You don’t have to be a Black student to support or be in BSU. You can just be an ally or listening voice…don’t be afraid to interact with us, that is the main part.”
While the festival has been around for decades and is one of the most notable events for Black History Month at Dominican, be sure to stay up to date with the BSU and CCL for more of their upcoming events.
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