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Part of BSU demonstrates political strength and unity, undated

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The Spectrum

14

*BSU

demonstrates political strength and unity

By KEELEY SHEEHAN

clubs and organizations to pro­
mote their groups.
The UB Step Troupe was pres­
The Black Student Union ent with their first-place trophy
(BSU) celebrated Black Solidar­ from the recent Buffalo State
ity Day this past Monday. The Step Competition in hand. UB
national event that began in Step Troupe President Herlynne
1969 at Brooklyn College is held Pierre attributed the group's
every year on the Monday before success in part to the unity advo­
Election Day to recognize the cated by Black Solidarity Day and
strength of theAfricanAmerican the BSU.
community.
"The BSU is a club that people
"Black Solidarity Day allows look up to. It represents all the
society and .the student body to minority clubs on campus," she
know the importance of what said. "We're excited to be here
the black community contributes and promote unity within our
to society," said William Donovan, own club."
The African SA (ASA) also set
BSU president.
The event opened with a up a table in the Union.Accord­
rendition of the Black National ing to Fadima Kamara, a member
Anthem, "Liftup Your Voice and of the ASA and sophomore com­
Sing,"and a walk from the Student munication major, Black Solidar­
Union to Capen Hall. Students ity Day helps to draw students'
stopped to show their support attention to the many opportuni­
in the Promenade and Founder's ties available to them on campus.
"It brings awareness to the .
Plaza. Though rainy weather cut
the walk short, it did not deter black community on campus, to
the group's enthusiasm, accord­ let people .know we're here and
ing to Patrice Gordon, BSU vice can make a difference; Kamara
said. "We need to stick together
president.
"People seem to have enjoyed and support each other. If we
it," she said.
don't support each other, who
will?"
After the walk, James Pappas,
While the main focus of Black
Ph.D., associate professor of
African American Studies, gave a Solidarity Day is the social and
speech about the importance of political strength of African
black unity amid the red, black Americans, the day represents
and green balloons decorating all minority groups, according to
the Union.The colors represent­ Donovan.
"It gives students the oppor­
ed the Pan-African flag, a sym­
bol of black pride, according to tunity to learn about what other
a pamphlet distributed by the minorities contribute to the US,"
BSU.
he said. "It's a chance to learn
Students made pillows with more about other people."
Because it is held right before
African fabrics and were able
to visit booths set up by various· Election Day, Black Solidarity Day

Staff Writer

reminds people of the impor­
tance of political awareness.
Going even beyond issues of
race, it serves to remind people
of the problems facing the world
as a whole.
"Everyone thinks there's noth­
ing left to fight for," said Kevin
Southern, a sophomore political
science major."We need to recog­
nize that there are things wrong
with society."
He noted problems with the
government, the economy and
the war in Iraq as just a few of the
issues facing the world today.
"It's important to take time out
to realize what's going on,"he
said.
According to Donovan, those
observing and supporting Black
Solidarity Day traditionally forgo
participation in any political,
economic or social affairs.
"With this peaceful absence,
African Americans and others
passively oppose racism, as well
.as social and civil injustices, on a
global level," Southern said.
Donovan encouraged Black
Solidarity Day supporters to
wear all black to show their unity
and support for the cause.
"I think it's amazing how you
pass the same people (on your
way) to class everyday, but for
everyone to come together as
one, it's beautiful to see," said
Elijah Coleman, a sophomore
theater and dance major."It's not
something you see everyday."

E-mail: spectrum-news@buffalo.edu