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BSU Banquet Focuses on Bold Voices

Elmira, NY (02/04/2020) — On Saturday, February 1, students, faculty, and administrators gathered in Cowles Hall for the fourth annual Black Student Union Banquet. The event kicked off Black History Month activities on campus.

"The theme of this year's event was 'Lift Every Voice,'" said Katrina Hodge, a residence life coordinator at EC and advisor of the EC Black Student Union. "We really wanted to focus on and encourage the students' voices to be heard. It doesn't matter if it is in school, the community, or in their personal lives. Their voices count, and they should be bold and courageous. "

The keynote address was presented by Michele Johnson M.Ed. '11, CEO of the YWCA Elmira and the Twin Tiers and 2019 recipient of the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce Athena Award. The program also included performances by Noah Dorchester '21 and Julissa Garcia '21.

Following dinner, attendees gathered in Peterson Chapel for a presentation by African Soul Drum & Dance Group as well as two videos highlighting the history and mission of Black History Month and how attendees can be bold and true with their voices.

Click here to view additional photos of the event.

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On Saturday, February 1, students, faculty, and administrators gathered in Cowles Hall for the fourth annual Black Student Union Banquet. The keynote address was presented by Michele Johnson M.Ed. ’11, CEO of the YWCA Elmira and the Twin Tiers and 2019 recipient of the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce Athena Award.

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