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Black Student Union Hosts Third Annual Banquet

Elmira, NY (02/14/2019) — As part of Black History Month, the Elmira College Black Student Union (BSU) recently hosted the Third Annual Black Excellence Banquet in Stephan's Lounge, Meier Hall. This year's theme was "Black Royalty."

Students, faculty, staff, administrators, and members of the Board of Trustees gathered for Caribbean-Southern Soul Food and enjoyed artwork by local artist Dennis Goodwin. Monica L. Bankston, global diversity and inclusion officer with Corning, Inc., was the guest speaker at this year's event.

During the evening's cocktail hour, in addition to the presentation of Goodwin's artwork, attendees participated in a community project to sign a banner featuring a famous quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." The evening also included singing performances by Residence Life Coordinator, Alicia Govens, and Noah Dorchester '21, along with a spoken word performance by Gregory Marseille '19. In between performances, a video of young children educating others was shown as a tribute to Black History Month.

"We have been planning the banquet since October 2018," shared Katrina Hodge, residence life coordinator, and BSU Advisor. "We had a wonderful turnout. It was amazing seeing how so many people came to celebrate with the students and honor Black History Month. I am proud to have been able to support such a wonderful group of students. We are very grateful for all the love and support we have received from so many individuals. This organization has come so far and I look forward to this event to continue to grow in the future."

Click here to view photos from the event.

Media Attachments

As part of Black History Month, the Elmira College Black Student Union (BSU) recently hosted the Third Annual Black Excellence Banquet in Stephan’s Lounge, Meier Hall. This year’s theme was “Black Royalty.”

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