Students can look forward to a variety of programs sponsored by black caucuses in residence halls this year.
Black caucuses at MSU is an excellent outlet for minorities to connect through service and programs, Mark Rinella Rather Hall Residence Life director said.
“Caucuses are important because they provide a great learning environment for students and give them a way to interact with each other,” Rinella said. “Rather Hall in itself has a history of raising money for the community and organizations.”
Preparations for new community service projects are in the works for many caucuses across campus. Hubbard Hall Black Caucus president Charles Stevens said this year will focus on creating more of these service opportunities throughout the hall.
“Our goal this year is to raise the bar on the quality of our events and the money we raise,” he said. “We are finding that many residents enjoy working with children, so we plan to try working with the Boys & Girls Club.”
In Armstrong Hall, Black Caucus president Brandon Cleaver said this year’s activities will incorporate their motto of “Making Education First.”
“We are planning a huge black history program with the African Poet’s Society,” he said. “We plan to feature various professors of black history.”
Along with its programs featuring education, the caucus also will offer social events, including a “Singled Out” program Oct. 2, similar to the former MTV dating show. The caucus also plans to hold a blood drive this month in connection with Multi-Racial Unity Living Experience, or MRULE.
In the West Circle Complex, Black Caucus president Kimberly Eure said the group has plans for community service activities with organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters.
“Last year we did a program that was very successful with Big Brother Big Sister,” she said. “We took the children to Sparty’s carnival and they had lots of fun. This year we plan on trying to work with the kids all year round on special events.”
The West Circle caucus also is planning to host study and informational sessions specifically on racism and interracial dating, as well as a program called, “Sex in the Dark,” where attendees stand in a darkened room to ask questions on sex that they may otherwise not be comfortable asking.
Eure also said the organization is committed to incorporating all students into their programs.
“Caucus gives students opportunities to have different experiences,” she said. “Our caucus is very diversified, and we want to ensure that all minorities feel welcome.”
