The Black Student Union (BSU) hosted a series of events throughout the month to honor Black History. They shared the culture of their food, music, dance, and their untold history.

On February 5, 2015, the BSU shared the culture of African heritage with an ethnic food tasting. Students sampled food from Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and the Southern United States. The club also hired a professional African drummer to perform and teach those in attendance. Faculty and students participated along with the daycare students from the Childhood Development Center.

Later on the 18th of February, students sang, danced, and rapped to celebrate Black History month by hosting an open mic with an invitation to all. Approximately 40 students attended. Dance battles and rap battles had the crowd cheering for each contender. Held in Café West, the event featured a wide range of talented students. One performer, Shneider Dutt, who sang and danced at the event, noted the real purpose of the occasion was “to have fun, and show off all our talent” along with coming together as a community.

February 19, 2015 marked the BSU’s celebration to educate the campus community about Black History Month by showing Hidden Colors, a film about the real story of people of color around the world. The film focused on the topics of race, racism, and its history within the United States. The event was well-attended by approximately 20 students, in addition to faculty and a guest from the community, Sean Mosely who teaches literature at Crosby High School. It concluded with discussion about the film.

On February 26, 2015, the BSU showed another film titled 1,000 Black Men Named George; a film about Asa Philip Randolph’s efforts to organize the black porters of the Pullman Rail Company in 1920’s America.

The grand finale of the BSU’s celebration of Black History Month was held on February 27, 2015. It was A Cultural Explosion: Celebrating Black History that was held in the Mainstage and featured singing, dancing, and poetry by artist Woodrow II, Love Community Choir, God Praising Poet, the Terps Dance Team, and Out of the Box Mime. Elma Solomon, advisor to the BSU said “This event is really the best of Waterbury, with talent from the city.” Those attending were asked to make a $10 donation, and the proceeds benefited the Chris Love Foundation.

In regards to all the events, Solomon said “It is really about student support. These events are student-driven, student-arranged, and for the students. It gives them something outside of just going to class. We are a commuter school, and students need reasons to stay on campus instead of just going home after class, and a chance to socialize with faculty and fellow students.”

Bold, smart and unified, the BSU is a student club on campus that supports African American students and teaches about African American culture and heritage through public events like these. You can join their group on Facebook, Black Student Union—NVCC. For more information about their weekly meetings and events contact club advisor Elma Solomon, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .