By Nicolette DiMura
Staff Writer
St. Bonaventure has several groups devoted to promoting diversity on campus, such as the Black Student Union (BSU), Latin American Student Organization (LASO) and Let’s Talk About It. BSU’s mission is to enrich St. Bonaventure with African American culture. Since this month is Black History Month, BSU has several upcoming events, culminating with a fashion show hosted with LASO and Let’s Talk About It.
On Feb. 22, there will be a soul food dinner at the Hickey Dining Hall from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Students will be able to decorate and light lanterns in honor of those who made a difference in black history on Monday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. in the Reilly Center room 211.
On Tuesday Feb. 24 at 11 a.m., in the University Club above the Hickey including a keynote speaker address. BSU will host a dinner and talk about social justice issues on Wednesday, Feb. 25.
On Thursday, Feb. 26 at 11:30 a.m. there will be a fashion show in The Loft of The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.
“[The show] will exhibit influential figures in the black community. There will also be a spoken word portion and someone will be singing,” Kerelle Caldwell, assistant director of the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), said. “The event will be held in The Loft if we cannot have it in the chapel. This event will also show the unity amongst campus and include other ethnic groups to show the progress and community amongst us all over the years.”
David Bryant, a sophomore journalism and mass communication major, said the work he does for the event is worth it, because people get to learn about another culture.
“It’s a lot of dedication and a lot of time doing something for BSU every single day, but I absolutely love my job,” Bryant said. “I love my position and I think it’s really important for African Americans on campus to embrace their culture as well as getting others to see what it’s all about.”
According to Dyanna Moreira, a freshman biology major and secretary of LASO, everything within the club is put through a vote with the club members and the LASO executive board.
Some of the events LASO is planning include the celebration of Cinco de Mayo, field day, which will include a variety of different Latin American sports, and a booth for Spring Weekend.
“Like any other club, it does involve a lot of our time. We like to have people who are dedicated and want to bring fresh ideas to our group,” said Moreira. “But we do expect our members to be fully engaged in our group and fulfill our requirements. But we accept anyone that is willing to contribute.”
