As Black History Month draws to a close, the NAACP chapter at the university hosted their two major final events of the month, the Young, Black and Gifted Cafe, as well as the Inspire and Aspire Banquet, both taking place in the German Club.
The Young, Black and Gifted Cafe took place on Saturday, Feb. 17 and showcased several Black students in various areas, including in song, dancing, rapping and poetry.
The chapter’s president, Sadara Funches, welcomed attendees for coming to the event as festivities began as Kevin Honorio, a student at the university, started the audience with a self-created rap, titled “Love is good.” He also showed a sample of his latest rap, titled “Two Percent Tint.”
Secora Chambers, student poet and artist, shared several poems and other written pieces throughout the night as well, with pieces titled “Friendship” that discussed the beauty that African Americans hold as well as all other cultures and ethnicities.
The Inspire and Aspire Banquet, hosted last Saturday, took place from 7-9 p.m. The event was even more anticipated than the cafe, evident by the immediate crowd of over 40 people that funneled in during the first 10 minutes of the event. Less than halfway through the event, all tables set up at the German club were full of friends, family and several other organization members, all eager to join in the celebration of what was accomplished by the chapter.
Following the dinner, the executive board gave several speeches, starting with Brianna Collins, treasurer of the organization. She discussed the many events the NAACP has hosted throughout the semester and said what the flag means to her. “This flag represents our people’s resilience, freedom, and beauty,” Collins said. She also encouraged the audience to always appreciate black culture and “continue to celebrate after the 29 days of February, as you are the trailblazers of our success.”
After Collins’ speech, Alicia Lind-Windham took to the podium and shared what the NAACP is to them. “The NAACP is a legacy, it is a beacon of hope, and we have accomplished so much throughout our year on this campus,” she said.
She created a rewind of the major events the NAACP has hosted this year, including creating necessity bags, the Remembering the Forgotten Vigil and going as far as off campus to the Yale Bowl, collaborating with Yale University’s NAACP group.
Director of public relations, Jaylen Bowen, decided to share a short film, which consisted of interviews from several officials in other RSO’s as well as the executive board. Each described their personal experience either in the NAACP chapter or collaborating with the chapter and why they are passionate about the organization.
After the executive board members spoke, Funches took to the stage once again, expressing their gratitude to other RSO’s who played a notable role in the success of the chapter this year, including the Muslim Student Association, their direct affiliate on campus. Among the recognized individuals present included Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students Ophelie Rowe-Allen, who was their direct faculty sponsor.
