A Celebration of Black Excellence: The 6th Annual Black Excellence Showcase

This Saturday, students are getting ready to showcase their art during the 6th Annual Black Excellence Showcase. The Black Excellence Showcase is a collaboration between two student organizations: the Black Student Union (BSU), which focuses on building a space for Black students on campus, and MyBlackSpeaks, a dance team that gives Black and Brown students a safe place to dance and create art. BSU president Ashley Jeanty ’23, who is also a Psychology major and a captain for MyBlackSpeaks, shared more about the work both groups are doing and how they’ve been preparing for the showcase.

“We are creating a space that allows us to talk about our Black experiences on and off a predominantly white institute,” Ashley explained. “We create events that represent us. We advocate the needs of the Black students on campus, while empowering each other. This organization allows us to discuss, learn and teach each other. Simultaneously, we welcome other students of color on this campus to share their stories.”

Now in its sixth year, the Black Excellence Showcase is an opportunity to spotlight the work of Black performers, content creators, artists and more on Dean’s campus.

“It is a celebration of Black excellence,” Ashley said. “Art can be anything from singing to dancing to slam poetry. This is the second year where we are also incorporating a gallery where we showcase influential, historical Black artists, advocates and more.”

In order to prepare for the showcase, Ashley and the student groups have participating in rehearsals, as well as meeting with various faculty members and with the executive boards of both groups. Together, the student groups are ready to put on a show to remember.

“I am so thankful for each faculty member and student that has helped me, my co-president, our shared vice president and our e-boards to put this beautiful show together,” she said. “I am excited to celebrate our excellence and to reunite with those who came before me in this position!”

The 6th Annual Black Excellence Showcase will take place on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Guidrey Center.