By Rory Dulock | Staff Writer
Several voices could be heard singing and echoing throughout the Bill Daniel Student Center on Thursday evening. Shortly after the singing stopped, thunderous applause lasted for several minutes. The building was filled with laughter and cheers as faculty, staff and students gathered around to watch the performances at the Black Student Welcome.
The Black Student Welcome started at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday in the Barfield Drawing Room at the SUB. Throughout the event, both current and new students had the opportunity to learn about the organizations that make up the Black Student Coalition and the different departments on campus that were tabling.
The Department of Multicultural Affairs hosted the event during Mosaic Week, and students were able to enjoy Sascee’s Southern Style Eatery as well as watch organizations’ performances.
Tranquility Gordon, associate director of Multicultural Affairs, said all are welcome at Black Student Welcome and any Mosaic Week event — and it’s not just for students. Gordon said faculty and staff are welcome as well.
“This [was] just another opportunity for them to get out and meet in a more intimate setting,” Gordon said. “So it’s just a great time for students to, again, be seen and to see people who look like them. That’s [something] that I think is not always highlighted as often— the power of representation across the board. It’s not just limited to race and ethnicity.”
Gordon said there’s a different connection that comes from being in a room with different people and not knowing their stories, which is why events like Black Student Welcome are important to have. She said the event is a great way for the department to do community storytelling in a different type of environment.
Crystal Woods, a Baylor alumna and member of the Baylor Black Alumni Association was tabling at the event and said it helps gather the Black community together on campus and to get them involved as well.
“[This event] is important because it’s nice for people to come and build relationships and get involved,” Woods said.
Gordon said the department is excited to continue showing up and to be present at the rest of the events for Mosaic Week. She said they are ready to have a really good time, eat some good food while doing so and to remind students that they are there for them.
“This is another opportunity for students to see that Multicultural Affairs is a resource,” Gordon said. “Not [only do] we do fun things, but also if you’re struggling… [you can] come let us know.”
The next Mosaic Week event is Latinx Night this Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in the Barfield Drawing Room in the SUB. The week of events ends on Thursday with Asian Mosaic Night.
