February is Black History Month, and the Black United Students aim to celebrate with Kuumba Night, which occurs every month of the year. The event, held Feb. 20, offered a wide variety of talent and wordsmanship. Whether you’re looking for a reflective poem, a lip-sync dance or to share friendship and unity, Oscar Ritchie Hall was the place to be on Kent State’s campus.
“I think that upholding Black history means ensuring a black future,” said Khori Davis, a sophomore sociology major. “A lot of people think of Black history as something that happened, you know, 50, 60, years ago. But it’s still happening now.”
Representing B.U.S. were two organizers, Victoria Brown, a freshman Africana studies major, and Davis, who said they both wanted to showcase what everyone has to offer in a unique way.
“It really gives a lot of people the opportunity to really put their hard work to good use,” said Davis. “It gives voice to a lot of people who are able to show who they are.”
Davis also participated in the event, harmonizing with songs and representing unity with her peers. She said performing on a stage and participating with her friends was the best way to show off her talents in a safe environment where everyone could come together and celebrate Black history in a beautiful way.
Brown said she wanted to provide an extra opportunity to students who wanted to share their voices and talents with anyone who came to see the event.
“This is the first open mic we’ve had with Black United Students,” said Brown. “It’s also just important to have a collective space where Black students can come and express their creativity.”
Davis was a key member in singing and performing the song “First Day Out” by Tee Grizzley. She, along with a group of her peers, sang about togetherness and what it means to be united as one against anyone out there who may have racist intent, or be non-inclusive. That was followed by a poem reading about womanhood, which discussed the importance of being a woman in an unpredictable world.
The themes of becoming more, rising above discrimination and having a voice all resonated with those who performed their talents. Another poem highlighted diversity in the Black community, flipping the script and not listening to any outsiders. According to Davis, Black history is not just something to be forgotten, rather, it should be embraced.
Davis reflected on the black community changing the world now and those who have won Grammys, Emmys, Nobel Peace Prizes and much more. She said there are Black leaders all over the world, and they will be the ones guiding the culture for the next couple of years.
Kent State will offer more events like this throughout the month, and the Black United Students Instagram has more information available.
Like many said at the event, it was emphasized by Brown that, “Creativity all together is a very significant part of Black culture.”
Evan Schofield is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].
