Eli Randolph

Muhayimana Irankunda (left), a sophomore social work major, and Chantal Umuhoza, A junior accounting major, perform a traditional African dance about marriage at “Noir: A night of Black Excellence” on Wednesday, Jan. 31.

Students and alumni gathered to participate in ISEC’s “Noir: The Black Experience” in Downing Student Union on Jan. 31. 

The event included singing, dancing and speeches from members of the black community along with a dinner in between segments. Black-owned businesses also set up and sold their products.

To the Secretary of the Black Student Alliance, Ke’Andrea Cofer, senior health science major, this was an opportunity to network and come together as a community. 

“This event just allowed me to get closer to people that look like me, think like me, and network and connect with alumni to better my future,” Cofer said. 

Cofer noted that BSA is an opportunity to not only get closer to her community but also give back to it at the same time. 

“Just being able to have a leadership role and [have] the younger scholars look up to me [allows] me to create a better impact and future for them,” Cofer added. 

Kelisha Leavell, sophomore graphic design major, is also a member of BSA and gave a speech at the event about black culture and the start of music. 

According to Leavell, the event was about celebrating black culture and black excellence, and she was honored to be able to have the space to express herself while also being around people who looked like her. 

“We’re at a predominantly white institution so having the access to students of color [in] the same boat as you feels great, “ Leavell said. 

Hannah Turner, junior chemistry major, helped to host the event and was excited to be able to be a part of an event that was made to showcase the black community. 

“The black experience is a sacred thing to me that I feel a lot of people haven’t been given the experience to understand what it really means because of the different environments we’ve come from,” Turner said. 

Turner noted that she was thankful to BSA for having the opportunity to become the person she is today and to spread light on black culture and the comfortability that comes with it. 

“The most broad thing I’m thankful for is ISEC as a whole. It creates the subdivisions of BSA, but it’s definitely a way for people to embrace their culture and become familiar with themselves and the people around them, and give homage to the people that came before us,” Turner said. 

Amyia Sanders, freshman nursing major, danced with the Kaois Dance Team and appreciated the practices and being able to come together as a team to make one big dance for the showcase.

“The dance team portrays black excellence so we are adding a part of this event,” Sanders said. 

ISEC’s next event for their celebration of Black History Month will be Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. and will be “For the Culture Preview Day.”

Students interested in future events can find more information on their Instagram @wkuisec.

News Reporter Kaylee Hawkins can be reached at [email protected]