As a part of “BSU Week,” The Black Student Union is partnering with University Programs to host the State of the Black Union on Feb. 28.

The event will feature keynote speaker, UA alumna Sherrel Stewart, light refreshments, cash giveaways, and a live museum of historical black figures who are alumni of the University.

Who: The Black Student Union, University Programs

What: The State of the Black Union

When: Thursday, Feb. 28 from 7-9 p.m.

Where: The Ferguson Student Center Ballroom

Why:

“The State of the Black Union is an opportunity for the black students on campus and the students of color on campus to get together as a community and figure out where we are and where we stand in light of the political climate and the things going on in the media especially against the Black community,” said Darnell Sharperson, a junior majoring in public relations and president of the Black Student Union. “It’s necessary for us to have one really big conversation to access where we are and not only that but to see how we can get to the next point of success and the next milestone of progressiveness.”

The event will also feature special guests Jamie Riley, the new dean of students and assistant vice president of Student Life and the first African-American dean of students, and Tiana Pennington, the first African American crowned Miss UA.  

“We are really excited to have all these beautiful people making beautiful marks and doing great things on campus for them to come and speak to us,” Sharperson said.

No registration is required, and attendees are asked to bring their ACT card.

“I believe it’s very important for students of color to come out and seize this monumental moment for us,” Sharperson said. “We have come far but there’s definitely further we can go. That’s why you should come out. Get a charge and figure out how you can move forward and be a little bit more progressive in promoting an environment of diversity, equity and inclusion.”