Spring Break
BBSO holds events on Black American heritage
by Shana D. Lebowitz and Lital Shair
News | 12/4/07
Posted online at 10:52 PM EST on 12/3/07
/ Last updated at 2:21 PM EST on 12/3/07
With artistic performances including spoken word poetry, interpretative dance and slide shows on black culture around the world, the Brandeis Black Student Organization presented "Black Is," a performance celebrating the history of the black Diaspora, last Wednesday in the Schwartz auditorium.
"Black Is," attended by approximately 30 students, was one of three events the BBSO hosted last week, including "The Status of Black America," a discussion with the black student organization at Babson College, and "Cater to You," an event focused on gender stereotypes in black culture.
A palpable sense of pride in black culture pervaded the entire performance. "Black is power, black is beauty," said BBSO member Tenaira Layton '10.
Zamira Castro '11 held the audience in rapture as she recited with rhythmic intensity, "To the Little Ones I'll Love," a poem she wrote about socio-cultural injustices in American society, and "I Am," a poem about black and Hispanic cultural tradition. North Quad Director Jerome Holland also performed a liturgical dance to "Still I Rise," a song by Yolanda Adams.
"It's a good way to show our own talents and celebrate [black culture]," BBSO member Irene Bartels '10 said.
Students also listened to an audio recorded selections of Jamele Adams' spoken word poetry, "Black History X" and "Man of War," poems that are part creative art and a call to action against racial inequality.
"You can't talk black history without black misery," Adams chanted.
"Black Is" introduced students to unique aspects of black history, including the development of southern gospel. "Song became the words that helped the Africans keep faith that one day there would be freedom," Curtis McLeod '09 said. This year marked the first performance of "Black Is," according to Suahd Iddrissu '09, BBSO co-president. Previously, BBSO organized an annual Kwanzaa celebration. However, Iddrissu said people got the false impression that all black people celebrate Kwanzaa.
Iddrisu said this year's performance emphasized a wider variety of black experience. "We're bringing [black history] together as one piece."
"Black Is," attended by approximately 30 students, was one of three events the BBSO hosted last week, including "The Status of Black America," a discussion with the black student organization at Babson College, and "Cater to You," an event focused on gender stereotypes in black culture.
A palpable sense of pride in black culture pervaded the entire performance. "Black is power, black is beauty," said BBSO member Tenaira Layton '10.
Zamira Castro '11 held the audience in rapture as she recited with rhythmic intensity, "To the Little Ones I'll Love," a poem she wrote about socio-cultural injustices in American society, and "I Am," a poem about black and Hispanic cultural tradition. North Quad Director Jerome Holland also performed a liturgical dance to "Still I Rise," a song by Yolanda Adams.
"It's a good way to show our own talents and celebrate [black culture]," BBSO member Irene Bartels '10 said.
Students also listened to an audio recorded selections of Jamele Adams' spoken word poetry, "Black History X" and "Man of War," poems that are part creative art and a call to action against racial inequality.
"You can't talk black history without black misery," Adams chanted.
"Black Is" introduced students to unique aspects of black history, including the development of southern gospel. "Song became the words that helped the Africans keep faith that one day there would be freedom," Curtis McLeod '09 said. This year marked the first performance of "Black Is," according to Suahd Iddrissu '09, BBSO co-president. Previously, BBSO organized an annual Kwanzaa celebration. However, Iddrissu said people got the false impression that all black people celebrate Kwanzaa.
Iddrisu said this year's performance emphasized a wider variety of black experience. "We're bringing [black history] together as one piece."
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