Hamlin Hall hosted a Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 16 at 7 p.m., attracting a mix of freshmen and upperclassmen eager to participate in the evening’s festivities.
The event took place on the main floor of the residence hall, in the lounge area, which allowed a steady flow of residents and guests to stop by, socialize and enjoy the celebration.
Students gathered to connect with one another while enjoying music, food, games and vibrant stroll performances, creating an atmosphere of community and shared culture.
Several Divine Nine organizations participated in the event, performing energetic strolls that energized the crowd and showcased cultural traditions. These performances not only entertained attendees but also highlighted the pride, creativity and history behind historically Black Greek-letter organizations.
Food and refreshments were provided, including pizza, juices, soda and shaved ice drinks, keeping students fueled as they mingled and participated in activities.
The event also featured themed goodie bags containing snacks, bracelets and pencils, providing attendees with keepsakes to remember the celebration.
Additionally, students were invited to sign a new Black Lives Matter poster, which now proudly hangs above the front desk at Hamlin Hall, symbolizing solidarity and community engagement within the residence hall.
Paige Burns, a resident assistant in Hamlin Hall, explained that the event was created in response to student feedback.
“In previous years, residents would come up to me and ask why we didn’t have a program for Black students,” Burns said. “Last year, I made it my goal to make sure this program runs successfully.”
Now in her third year as an RA in Hamlin, Burns noted that this year’s celebration benefited from increased resources and strong engagement from residents, making it a more inclusive and memorable experience.
Senior Justice Jones highlighted the significance of seeing freshmen participate in the celebration.
“When I was a freshman, we didn’t have this event going on,” Jones said. “Now that it’s the second year in a row, I think it’s really important to show everyone on campus that Black history is very important.”
Her perspective reflects the growing impact of programs like this in fostering awareness, cultural pride and education within the campus community.
Resident assistants Kate, a junior, and Caden, a sophomore, emphasized the importance of hosting cultural events in freshman residence halls, where many students are still forming their first impressions of campus life.
“It’s really important that everybody on campus feels involved, especially in a freshman dorm setting,” Kate said.
Caden added that events like this create opportunities for students to learn from one another and celebrate different cultures together.
“Being able to hear other people’s stories and see them celebrate, and to celebrate them myself, it’s a really nice opportunity to learn and grow,” he said.
Overall, Hamlin Hall’s Black History Month Celebration not only provided entertainment and refreshments but also created a meaningful space for community, cultural expression and learning.
From stroll performances to interactive activities and opportunities for reflection, the event highlighted the importance of recognizing Black history and culture on campus, leaving a lasting impression on students of all years.