The event was a collaborative effort among several Michigan State University organizations, including Black Girls in Social Science, MSU Black Celebratory, the Collegiate Midnight Golf Program, the National Association of Black Journalists and the University Activities Board (UAB).

Social work junior Torrie Boykins is the outreach and inclusion coordinator for UAB and hosted the event to celebrate Black history and showcase Black talent. She asked the audience discussion questions throughout the evening and introduced the performers. She said while there were less acts than they had hoped for, those who did perform were meaningful, engaging and appreciated. 

MSU is a predominantly white institution (PWI), with over 50% of the student population being white. Boykins said having events like these in a university with this title are impactful and inclusive for Black students.

“This gives Black students a space to connect with other Black people, feel safe to be themselves, have discussions and be authentic to their Blackness,” Boykins said. “And for non-Black students, this is a good space to appreciate and celebrate Black people and witness Black joy.”

Psychology and cognitive science junior Ada Johnson did several performances including song and spoken word poetry. She said she had fun and enjoyed performing, especially with such a meaningful message in a safe space.

“Events like this are very important for Black students,” Johnson said. “To have spaces where they can just show up and show out, not have to audition, and be themselves authentically. It takes people a step further so they know they aren't alone in their experiences — on campus or this world.” 

Attendees human resources and labor relations senior Brandy Walker and political theory and constitutional democracy and social relations and policy sophomore Savannah Thomas are in the Collegiate Midnight Golf Program at MSU. Walker is vice president and Thomas is social media chair of the program, which partnered to host the celebration Monday. 

They said they are grateful for all the campus organizations that created the safe space for Black students to showcase themselves, particularly due to recent national politics.

“I think this event likely spoke to a lot of people,” Thomas said. “Especially given the socio-political climate of this country, a lot of people have talents and virtues they don't feel encouraged to pursue everywhere, spaces like this encourage people to pursue their virtues without judgement.”

Criminal justice senior Omar Cooper is the president of the MSU chapter of Black Celebratory, a student run organization that recognizes the academic achievements of Black seniors. He also said being at a PWI makes this event more meaningful.

“Students can express themselves,” Cooper said. “They are able to perform, there’s a lot of purpose behind this event.”