On Feb.13, the Black Student Union (BSU) and the Associated Students of Whitworth University (ASWU) held their annual Harlem Renaissance Ball. As February marks Black History Month, this celebration honors the 20th century era known for cultural reshaping and refinement. The Smithsonian defines the Harlem Renaissance as a “realistic presentation of what it meant to be Black in America.”
“Harlem Renaissance refers to the movement that happened in Harlem, New York,” said Vernon Glass, president of the BSU and cultural engagement coordinator for ASWU, “From around the end of World War I up to the Great Depression, [it] was used to signify the advancement of African American people with art, literature and music, because African Americans at that time were trying to find a better lifestyle for themselves.”
With the history of this event embedded in the minds of the BSU leadership team, it was no surprise that the event incorporated Renaissance details, from décor to entertainment. The Hixson Union Building’s multipurpose room was decked in Renaissance colors of maroon, black and gold. While page markers displayed historical facts about notable figures of the time on decorated tables. Upon entering the space, music that reflected African rhythms could be heard
The evening officially began with an introduction from Glass, who explained what the Harlem Renaissance encompasses and how this would be reflected throughout the evening’s activities.
Guest speaker Lisa Gardner, the president of the Spokane branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), spoke during the evening with a concise and powerful message that reminded the attendees that the Harlem Renaissance is often viewed as a historical moment. However, the cultural renaissance is still happening. Gardner also provided context about the role of the NAACP and what life was like for colored individuals in the 20th century, focusing on Jim Crow laws and racial violence, including lynching.
Following the speaker’s address, guests were able to partake in a catered meal from Chicken-N-Mo, a southern-style franchise that suited the vibe of the event. Guests were able to enjoy the selection provided of beef, rice and peas, greens and macaroni salad. The evening also featured poetry, including an original piece by Sophia Anderson titled “A New Creation” and “Nonetheless Black Excellence” by Jotham Walugembe. Both performances reinforced the theme of celebrating freedom and creativity.
“I want [students] to feel joyous,” said Glass, “I want them to feel excited that they got to participate in the dance and all the games that we’re going to do, but then I also want them to have a sense of everyone is connected.”
This was achieved through an interactive Kahoot trivia game that tested participants’ knowledge of Black history and the Harlem Renaissance. Additionally, the “finish the lyrics” segment of the evening fostered camaraderie through team building and a common goal. Team three won the competition.
“You don’t have to feel represented through numbers. It’s not always about looking online and seeing negative statistics. I don’t want people to be defined by that,” said Glass. “I want them to be represented through love, through their culture and through how they express that culture with their energy. Too often, the outside world focuses only on the negatives. But when you show the positives of who you are and what your community is like, people’s perspectives can begin to shift,” he said.
