From the classroom to the dance floor, the Black Student Union talked logistics and made final preparations for the annual hip-hop dance, predicting a high turnout to the all-campus function in the Reid Ballroom on Friday, Sep. 12. The Whitman community was buzzing with excitement while anticipating the “biggest social event on campus,” said BSU Treasurer Kiet Vo.
President Jordan Wheeler similarly expressed the magnitude of the event: “It’s so big that fraternities schedule their parties around the dance.”
Many Whitman students expressed their excitement, looking forward to a crowded dance floor, flashing strobe lights, and a night brimming with laughter and hip-hop music.
“College students want to have a good time; hip-hop brings everyone together. It is universally known and celebrated,” said BSU member Anthony Woods.
As Wheeler said, this dance “brings people together” and helps “establish connections with all students” in an entertaining and enjoyable manner.
As the club advisor, Professor Nadine Knight, similarly expressed, the hip-hop themed event “helps demonstrate and celebrate diverse cultures and beliefs.”
The event aimed to provide release from everyday troubles. Dancing not only relieved everyday stress for Whitman students, but also provided an appropriate venue to express themselves. Whether their drop-it-like-it’s-hot moves endangered those around them or shocked the masses with awe and reverence, students expressed themselves accordingly. Universally excited for the event, the BSU members “expected a big turnout and were excited to get everyone in the same place,” said Wheeler.
Members of BSU hope that other students will take this opportunity to appreciate the organization and consider joining the club.
“Membership has diminished over the years,” said Vo, but what they offer still remains –– the comforts of a home away from home in a positive atmosphere.
Having personally benefited through friendships and the auspicious vibe, BSU member David Changa-Moon, testified that “this organization provides comfort to students in need of the stability of family. College can be isolating.”
The BSU provides a “support group that helps students understand and deal with the [cultural] transition,” said Woods.
Although this event may be the most anticipated dance of the year, the Black Student Union has sponsored a plethora of other events, such as Kwanzaa celebrations and mentoring programs. To equate this capable organization with a mere dance would prove an injustice.
Impassioned and supportive, Knight emphasized the union’s objective to “serve first and foremost the interests of their members.” This may range from “a discussion of the disenfranchisement of Black voters in US politics [to] hosting informal soul food nights,” Knight said.
Now functioning under new leadership, the BSU is determined to eventually “establish connections with alumni, travel, and attend conferences and community outreach programs,” said Wheeler.
“We need to build a new focus and determine how we want to impact Whitman,” said Changa-Moon.
The Black Student Union has tremendous potential, stimulating the Whitman community by starting the year with the acclaimed hip-hop dance.
