Sharing Our Stories: The Impact of Black Awareness Month Programming at the University of Miami
Kylia Brown
The University of Miami’s Black Awareness Month (BAM) was nothing short of exceptional. Brave individuals shared their stories through art and conversation in honor of this year’s theme; Intersectionalities: Sharing Our Stories. Students of all spheres came together to produce work through various mediums that would inspire students to act, share, and love. The opening ceremony set the tone for the month with dishes provided by the Yellow Rose Society, the National Council of Negro Women, and the African Students Union along with music which encouraged students to explore and get to know the many organizations that were tabling. A collaborative session with 100 Strong fostered a space where students were able to learn and find inspiration from Black professionals in the medical field. In the Hairitage Hair Show, viewers were left in awe, not only at the innovativeness of the designs but the sheer talent of their peers, from models, to the Hurricane Steppers involved, and hairstylists too. Freshman, Ijenna Mere, describes that she thought, “the show was a great example of how different cultures could come together and celebrate as one and that empowered me.”
At the Visions: Interpretations of Afrofuturism exhibition created in collaboration with the Black Creatives Collective students got to hear from artists and see Black art represented in a fresh, dynamic way.
This energy carried into the Watsco Center for a celebration of Black culture at the men’s basketball game. Models from the African Students Union made the court into a catwalk and Oleku dancers tore it up with an unforgettable performance. BAM’s Day of Service allowed students to spend time with one another while also giving back. Together, students on campus created dozens of packages filled with hygiene products, toys, and messages for our peers and local communities. Students that chose the off-site service option learned how to garden in partnership with the Green Haven Project. The month ended with the annual Sunday Service, featuring selections from The Hammond Choir and a sermon from chaplain Mike Blanc.
From the opening ceremony to the Sunday Service, the BAM committee made it their mission to celebrate Black culture in exciting new ways. Sophomore and BAM treasurer, Asia Blocker, described intersectionality as being a focus throughout this year’s events. The program would not have been possible without Dahlia Mason, second Vice-President of United Black Students and chairperson of the BAM committee who began her work for Black Awareness Month in the fall of 2022. She worked diligently alongside an equally passionate team. As part of that team, Blocker shared that Dahlia’s commitment to the program inspired her to put her all into her work and create something meaningful for graduating seniors looking to, “make [their] stamp on Black UM.” Looking back, the BAM committee succeeded in their mission to celebrate Black organizations on campus. And they made the month of February one to never forget.
If you missed the Black Awareness Month programming, be sure to keep up with United Black Students (UBS) on all socials (@umiamiubs) and look out for their events throughout the rest of the semester. You won’t want to miss out on a chance to be a part of history.
