Black Arts Fest is a week dedicated to celebrating Black students on Bucknell’s campus. It is a week full of creative events hosted by the Black Student Union executive board during which the black students, faculty and staff come together in community. The week started off with the Sunday Kick Off Brunch hosted at Umoja Affinity House (aka 7th Street House). While gathering around the table and enjoying food, we talked about our semester so far, made jokes, and shared Black history facts. It was nice to take a break on a Sunday, when students are usually busy trying to get ready for the week.
Monday evening we had the Trap and Paint, where we listened to good music and were able to free paint for a bit. It was really cool to see everyone go around and look at each other’s unique paintings. To sing songs and paint together brought such a sense of community. Wednesday was the open mic night, unfortunately not many people attended the event, but those who did have the opportunity to go made the best of it. We sang karaoke together and danced around, singing from 90s throwback to present day music. One of the things that I love about Black community here at Bucknell is that even when numbers are small we can still make the best out of the experience.
Friday was the Black Arts Fest Fashion Show, and I was one of the models. After going to hours of rehearsals for the past 2 weeks it was amazing to see it all come together. There were four scenes arranged by students: Melanin Mode, Tailored Power, Pageant, and Y2K. Each scene not only demonstrated the beauty of Black students on campus but also highlighted intelligence and creativity. Backstage was beautiful thing to see: there was so much collaboration, encouragement, and affirmation, as well as prayer, singing, and dancing. To see people care so much about the show and be willing to help one another demonstrates strength and commitment to each other. As a model, walking in the fashion show is always my favorite part of Black Arts Fest. To have people physically cheer and show up for Black students is a rare occurrence, so this is one of the times where we can be seen and celebrated.
Saturday, Stomp Out concluded the week of festivities. Stomp Out is a Divine 9 step competition, where Divine 9 sororities and fraternities from different universities come and perform a step routine for a chance to win up to $2000. The performers were amazing and put on innovative step routines that incorporated their fraternities and sororities histories, while also bringing in humor and immense talent. Our campus dance team, The Bissonettes, also performed and surprised the audience with bringing in alumni Bissonettes. The entire crowd screamed with excitement at that moment. Overall, I would say that Black Arts Fest was a really great time and it was amazing to have a full circle moment as this is my last semester at Bucknell. I am really grateful for the BSU E-board and everyone else involved for making my last Black Art Fest memorable.
-Da’Mirah Vinson