The Black Student Alliance's Black Power Rally tonight will help to educate students about what the term "black power" means, BSA members said.

"I think if you understand history, the initial call for black power was a term African Americans began to use to express asserting their rights in the United States," said Lee June, vice president of Student Affairs and Services. "It was a positive movement in terms of a group of people asserting their rights within the nation."

President of the Black Student Alliance Geneva Thomas, said people have misconceptions about the words "black power."

"Black power, thanks to the media, has left a bad taste in everyone's mouth," she said. "Not only do white students get intimidated by black power, it's also black students."

Thomas said black power should not be confused with negativity because it is an empowering term that honors African American progress.

"Black power is synonymous with us being able to smile, to be happy, to laugh and feel liberated in this country," she said.

The theme this year is "Stop Pimpin' Hip Hop: The Revolution Will Not Be Commercialized." Music, dance and poetry performances will take place at the Pasant Theatre in the Wharton Center at 6 p.m. today.

Tammye Coles, coordinator of African American student affairs, said the theme is reflective of African American music and history, and will bring students together.

"Many of the lyrics in hip-hop music come from the experiences people have within the black community," she said.

June said the rally is something all people can appreciate.

"It's primarily a chance for anyone interested in issues relating to the African American community to come together, to reflect on history and to be further educated on some issues the community still faces - and ways we can all work together to make the world a better place," he said.