Student group will mark 40 years in November

Black United Students will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a series of weekend-long events, starting Thursday, Nov. 6.

“We want to honor the alumni who participated in Black United Students,” BUS president Ashley Tolliver said. “They will be able to see how tradition is still passed from executive board to executive board.”

Traci Williams, instructor of Pan-African studies and former president of BUS, said the organization is the oldest student group on campus.

BUS will celebrate with the following events:

– 39th annual Renaissance Ball: 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6 in the Student Center Ballroom

Lotus garden is the theme for this year’s ball. The event will include its traditional pageant contest and will be followed by a dance. It is free and open to all students.

– Open Mic Night: 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7 at the African Community Theater in Oscar Ritchie Hall

Members of the Kent community and BUS executive board will perform on stage. Students are welcome to show their talents – singing, playing instruments or reading poetry. Harambee will co-sponsor the event.

– Gala: 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 in Oscar Ritchie Hall

BUS will screen a documentary about the history of Oscar Ritchie Hall and its significance for students and faculty.

Alumni will tour the renovated building.

– Banquet: 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 in the Student Center Ballroom

Larry Simpson, the first president of BUS, will be the keynote speaker of the event.

Anyone interested to attend should reserve a seat. Tickets are $40 for faculty and staff, $15 for students. For reservations, contact Ashley Tolliver at [email protected].

Contact minority affairs reporter Regina Garcia Cano at [email protected].