BSA President Tyler Clifford said because of the popularity and growth of the event, the rally was moved to a bigger venue, Wharton Center’s Cobb Great Hall. While the theater holds 2,400, some still were forced to stand.

“Last year’s show was over capacity in the Pasant Theater for (keynote speaker) Angela Davis,” he said. “My motivation (was) to fill 3,000 seats and make sure people come out to hear what Dr. Dyson has to say … and see talent from the MSU community.”

Dyson, a Georgetown University professor, discussed the importance of black people standing their ground on legal issues similar to those who were part of the civil rights movement.

“Merely to breath black in this country is to be seen as a threat” Dyson said during his presentation. “‘The very existence we embodied is somehow threatened to the dominance of the society and that ain’t nothing new.”

He said black people should be grateful for what has been provided for them and can’t celebrate their success without thanking the ancestors who paved the way.

“The resources that your people have given to you before now is not simply about the bling,” he said. “It’s not simply about name brands but naming how you’ve been branded.”

Dyson took the audience back through history, sparking excitement among the attendees when keying in on Martin Luther King Jr., hip-hop artists and the recent Trayvon Martin ruling.

Dyson also mentioned the need for a change in the current mindset toward women.

He said rappers, such as Drake, change the perception of how men should treat women in a negative way.

Political science and pre-law senior China Harrison said she’s returned this year after coming to the previous rallies. Each year she expects a great performance.

“It’s a great way to raise awareness and empower the community through black power,” Harrison said.