Students gathered in the Old Union South Lounge on Monday to celebrate the strength and unity of African Americans in BU’s annual observance of Black Solidarity Day. The event was sponsored by Black Student Union.
“We ask students of color to take this day to reflect on unity, heritage and culture,” said Andrea Dozier, president of the Black Student Union. “(Students) get together and contribute to their community.”
Black Solidarity Day was first celebrated in 1969, when Carlos E. Russell introduced the holiday to Brooklyn College students. The day was inspired by Douglas Turner Ward’s play “Day of Absence,” which explores the consequences that would arise if all African Americans were to disappear one day. The holiday is celebrated on the Monday before Election Day to remind people of the strength and political power of African Americans.
The students of Binghamton University have been observing Black Solidarity Day for over 30 years. This year’s celebration garnered much support from observers who showed solidarity by wearing black clothes and pins.
“The importance of wearing black is to signify that when mixed together, all colors of the spectrum yield black,” said Eric C. Henry, president of the Black Student Union. “The wearing of black symbolizes that we are all in a collective unit, regardless of race.”
Junior Jhodi Pommells said that wearing the same color showed unity among the participants.
“It’s beautiful and very productive,” she said. “During the day you see other people wearing black for the same reason.”
During the celebration, the students were treated to performances by BU Gospel Chorus, Black Dance Repertoire, X-Fact’r and poets Kristan Sanford and Tuneria Taylor.
“The gospel choir in particular moved me,” Pommells said. “They performed Black National Anthem and three other selections.”
BSU also invited four panelists, Prof. Nigel Westmaas, Prof. Bill Martin, James Pogue, director of the educational opportunity program, and community activist Barbara Oldwine, to speak at the event.
In their addresses each panelist urged the students to work together to get involved in their school and community.
“We were there for the same purpose,” Dozier said. “(Everyone was) open and willing to hear the message that was put forth.”
Pommells was one of many students who enjoyed the panel’s presentation.
“I learned a lot about my people and about what I should be doing in Binghamton and in the black community,” she said.
As the celebration drew to a close, students in attendance shared a feeling of pride and unity.
“I’m proud the whole entire day,” Dozier said. “I think more about my culture on this day than on any other day, because I see that everyone else is thinking about it too.”