By Paulina Gajewski
On the evening of Thursday, Feb. 27, the Gold Room of the Student Center was adorned in reds, oranges, and golds as the community celebrated the third annual ‘Night of Black Excellence’ Gala. The National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), Student Activities Involvement and Leadership (S.A.I.L.) Center, and Black History Month Committee (BHMC) collaborated with the Black and Latino Male Initiative (BLMI) and the Undergraduate Student Government (USG). The event aimed to honor BIPOC leaders that are making an impact at Brooklyn College.
“Black excellence is about resilience, achievement, and uplifting one another,” Karen Thomas, president of NABA, told The Vanguard. “It is not only about individual success but also about creating opportunities for others and breaking barriers […] Black excellence is about thriving despite adversity, embracing heritage, and continuously striving for progress, both personally and collectively.”
The inspiration for the night was a gala of the sun and the sunset, made apparent by the attendees in shimmering formal outfits as they were ushered into the room: red for sacrifice and courage, orange for strength and a fiery spirit, and gold for hope and optimism.
“These colors are a visual reminder of all the fire that’s inside of us all,” introduced Shatisha Bryant, vice president of the BHMC. “With this fire, we illuminate paths they said we can’t walk on. With this fire, we light paths to help all brothers and sisters find a way out of the darkness […] We are resilience.”
Introductions from each of the organizers and collaborators ensued, commencing with NABA, followed by leaders from BHMC, USG, S.A.I.L, and BLMI. Attendees were then asked to stand for the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a hymn originally written by NAACP leader James Weldon in 1900 and performed by Dakota Mitchell, president of Women of Color (WOC) at BC.
Mitchell’s performance was followed with a rap performance by Cedric Small, a senior at BC, who sang three original pieces and emphasized the importance of hip-hop in Black history.
S.A.I.L. staff then proceeded to introduce the gala’s keynote speaker, Calvin Abraham. Abraham is the associate director of the Student Center at BC and has served the community for 25 years. His outreach transcends the walls of the Center, as he is also instrumental in his neighborhood as a pastor.
“When we think of Black History Month, our minds run across the great pioneers in African American history,” Abraham stated, mentioning figures Dr. Martin Luther King Junior, Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and Muhammad Ali. “But what do you know about other Black history heroes? Like Claudette Colvin, Alice Coachman, or Shirley Chisholm? […] Educators, activists, and historians have long been attempting to shine a light and pinpoint why so much African American history is missing from our nation’s curriculum. It should be recognized.”
Abraham’s speech invoked strength and renewal amongst the attendees, receiving an award and thanks for his dedication and commitment to BC. The keynote speech was followed by another rap performance by musician Brian Heckstall. Afterwards, the event pivoted towards the award portion of the celebration. Amongst the awardees were members from the Blaze Dance Team, Haitian American Student Association, Caribbean Student Union, Chemistry Society, Korean Culture Club, Black Student Union, WOC, LGBT Alliance, and more, each representing excellence from their respective communities.
“Events like the gala allow us to celebrate Black culture, as it is often appropriated by others without recognizing the community and people it was taken from,” Sannaa Justice Jackman, sociology major at BC, told The Vanguard. “The gala is a place for Black students on campus to shine and be proud of who they are […].”
The first Black Excellence Gala took place in Feb. of 2023, and since then, has grown in numbers and support.
“The gala has just gotten bigger and better since it started post-COVID,” Noam Abrahams, president of USG, told The Vanguard. “I’d love to see the gala be embraced by more and more of the community as a real highlight of not just the clubs who plan it, but the community as a whole.”
The sentiment of growth was echoed by leaders at NABA, who recognized the trajectory of the gala.
“Since its inception, the annual gala has grown significantly in both scale and impact,” Thomas told The Vanguard. “What started as a smaller gathering has evolved into a highly anticipated event that attracts a larger audience each year, including students, faculty, alumni, and distinguished guests. The event has also expanded its programming, incorporating keynote speeches from influential figures, scholarship recognitions, and performances that celebrate Black culture.”
Emphasis on community permeated the room, across speakers, nominees, and attendees alike. To many students, the importance of support could not be understated.
“Being in that room celebrating the work of Black students across a range of clubs and organizations was so important,” attendee Khadija Fall, sophomore and psychology major at BC, told The Vanguard. “Black students are vital to the Brooklyn College community and to see many being recognized by their peers was so nice to witness.”
Not just club leaders were recognized during the award ceremony, but also those who have exhibited excellence in different departments across BC.
“Get involved, but never lose sight of your academic priorities!” award recipient Mitchell, who aims to place emphasis on academic achievement, advised. “There’s so much to explore here at BC, and finding your community will make your college experience unforgettable. Just remember to always prioritize your academic growth.”
The clubs and organizations present at the gala placed an emphasis on promoting Black excellence not just for a month, but year round. BLMI is one of these many institutions that provides necessary support.
“BLMI provides both resources and community that address students’ barriers to success,” Shadiq Williams, program coordinator of BLMI, told The Vanguard. “We assist with career and academic planning while also providing mentorship and leadership training to cultivate a culture of collaboration and empowerment.”
Leaders of various clubs echoed the hope that the celebrations of excellence continue throughout the semester.
“I hope my group is able to collaborate with other cultural clubs to showcase the joy in being Black, not only during Black History Month, but ‘365’,” Jay Perez, president of BHMC, told The Vanguard. “I hope it continues to empower BC students to aspire [and] to keep dreaming and that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”
Celebrating Black excellence was pivotal to students who aspire to create communities and make fundamental change.
“We will no longer be caterpillars, but we will go through a metamorphosis that brings about true transformation,” Abraham stated. “Rise, and keep going. The difference lies in you.”