By Emmariah Holcomb
Staff Writer
The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts will come alive with African-American culture through the Black History Month show.
This year’s Black History Month at St. Bonaventure aims to bring African-American culture and excitement for students, faculty and staff. The Black Student Union (BSU) will host the Black History Month show Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Quick Center, doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Gladys Ofori, a junior sociology major and BSU president, wants to engage the campus with examples of African-American heritage.
“It is important that everyone understands and knows the culture from which African-Americans originated,” Ofori said.
An African theme will be incorporated throughout the event. The audience can enjoy an authentic African-style dance performed by BSU members, the Black National Anthem sung by Angelise Vargas and much more.
According to Ofori, the group has been working to portray the struggles and achievements of African-Americans within its show.
“Members have high expectations for the show,” she said. “They want the campus to enjoy what they have put together.”
Freshman music major and BSU member Troy DeWeever agreed.
“I think our show will do very well,”he said. “As a member, I think everyone’s hard work will pay off on the stage.”
The main change from last year’s show is the focus of the event. Last year, the show centered around a fashion show with trivia games for the audience in between acts, and this year is focusing on singing and dancing, according to Ashley Earl, sophomore journalism and mass communication major.
Emcees Earl and DeWeever plan on keeping the audience intrigued throughout the evening through facts and commentary in between the acts.
The group says its overriding goal is to promote diversity and awareness throughout campus.
“It is a great opportunity to learn about what’s happening around campus and to celebrate, embrace and educate people about black history,” Diana Adegoke, a freshman business major and member, said.
BSU members who are not involved in the show said they also have positive expectations for the show. Tori Woods, a sophomore journalism and mass communication major feels that diversity and self-awareness will be a highlight of the show.
“The show will demonstrate that not only is Bonaventure diverse, but it is also culture oriented,” said Woods. “It gives people a chance to take pride in who they are and to learn about different ethnicities, cultures, groups and their purpose on campus.”
