The Pan-African Expo is designed to celebrate the richness of the heritage and culture of people of African descent. This is done to educate both the UR Community and the Greater Rochester Community as a whole.
During this month full of activities, the BSU steps up with a full presentation of Black History and Culture through social, cultural, educational, and political events on campus. A speaker is brought to the university with the assistance of the Oustide Speakers Committee (OSC). The BSU celebrates the month and encourages all other groups to do as well.
The month is concludes with our famous Pan African Exposition and Black History Month Play. Black History Month in 2006 will include the BSU Black Tie Affair: Harlem Nights at the Doubletree Hotel on Saturday February 24th. Click here for Black History Month Poster.
This event has flourished since its inception in the Fall of 1999. It gives different underrepresented minority organizations on campus an opportunity to welcome incoming students and convey their political agendas for the year. The event also doubles as a rites of passage ceremony in which each freshman states his or her name, major, and forecasted impact on the UR community. Subsequently, they each walk down a corridor of upperclassmen while holding a candle. A powerful and influential event that recognizes students' potential to achieve at the University of Rochester!
This event is intended to celebrate Afro-Caribbean culture. In light of the merger of the Black Students' Union (BSU) and the African and Caribbean Culture Club (ACCC), Caribbean Carnival features performances, bands, dance troupes. Come enjoy the festivities throughout the day and return in the evening for the afterparty.
The tradition continued in the 2004 year as a new activity was presented, Caribbean Day and CariBASH!. Both activities, held over the course of two days at Hirst Lounge in the Wilson Commons and The Meliora provided for the full expression of Caribbean culture on Friday afternoon followed by CariBASH: A White Gala, on Saturday Night! Both events a success give way to even greater celebration in the future.
This weeklong celebration encourages people to think about their African roots as well as their life in present day America. Through the seven principles, collectively known as Nguzo-Saba, the celebration of this holiday honors past achievements and encourages future endeavors. Join us in celebration as we eat and listen to speakers and other entertainment!
