The University of New Haven celebrates one of the biggest events for the Black and Latino student body, Black and Latino Alumni Weekend (BLAW). The 17-year-old tradition invites alumni to participate in or attend various events sponsored by the university’s multicultural recognized student organizations (RSOs).
“Black and Latino alumni weekend brings our people together, and for a few days, the university looks like what it should be for us,” said Patch Isaiah Bowen, a senior multiplatform journalism and media student. “That’s thanks to the tireless, thankless work of underfunded and underrecognized Black and Latino student organizations.”
RSOs come together each year to create events that students look forward to at the end of the spring semester. Student participation, attendance and volunteering continue to increase, allowing the weekend events to expand. This year, the events began on Thursday, April 23, and ended on Sunday, April 26.
Thursday began with the Drag and Cosplay extravaganza hosted by People Rejoicing in Diversity Everywhere (PRIDE). The event showcased the many talents of queer Black and Latino drag and ballroom performers. The event featured special guest judges, alumni, performers from RuPaul’s Drag Race and local performers from Connecticut’s drag scene.
“The organization plans out themes that give contestants the opportunity to research and learn more about the queer/Latino/Black community so they can gain more inspiration for their outfits,” said Dora Crespo, a senior international affairs student and fellow contestant of the extravaganza.
Crespo took home first place and the title of PRIDE Majesty with her stage persona, Celestia, a mermaid siren who finds her true self through dance. All eight contestants had to create their own outfits and talent portion of the competition.
“This weekend to me means everything, it’s a time where I feel united with the student body,” said Crespo. “It means honoring the past of the Latino community in my family and alumni from the university.”
Friday afternoon, the Gerber and Bixler Quad flooded with students for the Latin American Student Association’s (LASA) Carne Asada event. The annual event featured a photo booth, a mechanical bull, a dunk tank, other games and Hispanic foods.
In the evening, the Caribbean Student Association (CSA) ended the night with another iconic event, the annual Fashion Show. During this event, student models and designers are given the opportunity to display their creativity and confidence to their campus community. This year’s theme, Postcard from Paradise, was presented by CSA days before the event occurred.
Crespo also participated in the fashion show as a model.
“The experience helped me gain more confidence within myself and also learn about designers and their amazing work,” she said.
On Saturday, the Alpha Lambda Chapter of Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Incorporada hosted a stroll show competition where Greek letter organizations compete for a trophy. This event showcased the organizations’ talent and traditional strolls. The evening ended with the Sankofa Ball, hosted by the Black Student Union. The event allows for students to celebrate themselves and the conclusion of the school year.
The weekend of events ended with the Monsoon Dance Crew (MDC) Awards and the Miss Majorettes spring showcase. The showcase, along with the circus theme, allowed the team to highlight their talents.
“This tradition endures because students make it happen, and that’s harder this time around,” said Bowen.
For more information on BLAW, visit the university’s website to learn more.
