“You don’t have to befriend us” is the new tagline of Drake University’s Coalition of Black Students, and it was revealed at the CBS Unveiling Ceremony on Tuesday night in Olmsted Center.
For the students involved in this organization, this year is about involving more students of every ethnicity. The Coalition of Black Students would like to express that they’re not an all-black organization and all students are welcome. The group exists to have discussion and debates to work toward a better tomorrow.
“The Coalition of Black Students is somewhere I can go and feel at home,” Tenneh Massaquoi said. “It’s a family-like organization.”
To become part of this organization, students can simply start attending CBS events. Students can get involved by attending the CBS Black History Month events. To start off the month, there is a Super Bowl party Sundaythere starting at 2:30 p.m. The party will be at the Black Cultural Center across from St. Kate’s. Kickoff isn’t until 5:30 p.m., but join CBS before and during the game to cook Super Bowl food.
On Feb. 10 at 6 p.m., CBS is putting on “Haunted History: Take a Walk on the Black Side.” According to CBS, Haunted History is an interactive exhibit aimed at demonstrating a dramatic representation of black Americans’ trans-Atlantic slave trade history, diaspora, survival, turbulent assimilation and challenged integration into United States culture. The event is taking place in Upper Olmsted, will have student actors and will engage those who attend with audio-visual effects.
The Black on Black Banquet is a CBS-hosted formal taking place on Saturday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. in Parents Hall. The formal is open to all students on campus. According to CBS, the Black on Black Banquet is a celebratory event showcasing the pivotal role and purpose of black student organizations on college campuses today. Formal attire is required, there will be a DJ and food will be served.
On Feb. 19, “Catwalks for a Cause: (R)evolution to Fight with Fashion” is taking place in Upper Olmsted at 6:30 p.m.
According to CBS, its annual fashion show will highlight the various styles of fashion covering historical time periods of influence, under recognized styles, industry fads and trends, or underrepresented model shapes, sizes, colors, heights, weights and overall styles. The proceeds of this event will go to Children and Families of Iowa.
And finally, on Feb. 20 at 3 p.m., CBS’s Mama’s Cooking will take place at the Black Cultural Center. Students can attend to enjoy home-cooked soul food.
“Black History Month is a period of reflection, recognition, change and evolving perspectives,” said Lawrence Crawford, the president of the Coalition of Black Students at Drake. “It’s about moving forward to a more promising future in the black community.”
Crawford stressed that the Coalition of Black Students is not only about blacks and African-Americans understanding their histories, but it is also about people from every background understanding and acknowledging their ancestries and where they came from.
“The new tagline means we’re welcoming everyone,” said CBS member Tanaya Thomas. “I’m excited about what the future holds for us and this campus.
Black History Month Events
Super Bowl Party
Sunday, Feb. 6, 2:30 p.m.
Black Cultural Center
Haunted History:
Take a Walk on the Black Side
Thursday, Feb. 10, 6 p.m.
Upper Olmsted
Black on Black Banquet
Saturday, Feb. 12, 7 p.m.
Parents Hall
Catwalks for a Cause:
(R)evolution to Fight with Fashion
Saturday, Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m.
Upper Olmsted
Mama’s Cooking
Sunday, Feb. 20, 3 p.m.
Black Cultural Center
