SEAN KINER
Staff Writer
February is Black History Month, and Pepperdine’s Black Student Union is gearing up to make it meaningful and memorable.
The BSU at Pepperdine University is an active group devoted to uniting those interested in black culture, and this year has many plans to bring more people together and inform them about black culture. The members, 20 percent of who are not black, participate in events which advocate unity and awareness of the culture and present issues experienced by black Americans in everyday life.
Since Seaver College was founded in 1937, BSU has been a part of the campus, and February—Black History Month—has always been its busiest time of the year. This year the big project which will run throughout the month will have different people who look like big figures in black history dress up like their historical alter-ego for a week. There will be events such as ice cream socials and coffee house events that will benefit both the organization and the victims of hurricane Katrina. Dinah Galley, president of BSU said, “we try to provide fun events for everyone on campus.”
In addition to all the events in Black History Month they will be holding, BSU is planning on having at least one event each week, big or small. Most prominent among the big events is a repeat of last years “30 Seconds of Fame.” It is a talent show-like event that involves different groups, including BSU’s Gospel Choir. Last year the event sold out all of the seats in the Elkins Theatre. BSU received the award for best event from the Weekend Event Board several times, and last year “30 Seconds of Fame,” was the reason for their victory.
“We are seriously one of the most active groups on campus,” Dinah said. “We want Club of the Year.”
Among the other events last year was Black History Months’ “A Photo to Life,” a project in which members of the organization took pictures of scenes that depicted a certain aspect of black culture or life.
The project was controversial. One member drew a map of the Waves Cafe mapping out where certain races grouped up or fraternities and sororities cohered.
“I was shocked when I saw this, and thought, ‘this isn’t true’,” said Angela Muiruri, a member. “Then I walked into the Caf, and I realized that the map was totally correct.”
Another member took a picture of himself standing in a basketball court holding a book. His reasoning was that whenever he was stopped by Public Safety or even mentioned that he went to Pepperdine, he would be asked what position on the basketball team he played. Angelina said, “He couldn’t just be a student.”
“Photo to Life,” will not be repeated this year, since in general the big Black History Month projects are not repeated. There are plans for other events, such as the football game between students and the Public Safety officers. Though BSU has many plans for this year, the motivation behind them remains the same. Whether it is a football game or a simple meeting, diversity and tolerance will be promoted.
12-15-2005