Culture
“Black Girls Rock” at Ohio University
By: Erin Riordan
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Rosa Parks, Condoleezza Rice and Michelle Obama: Commonly heard names whenever influential African American women are discussed.
Yet every day, women everywhere are inspired to create change in their communities.
The Black Student Union at Ohio University aims to recognize these women in a Black History Month event entitled “Black Girls Rock: A Celebration of Powerful Black Women at OU,” being held on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. in the Baker Center Theater.
Founded in 1928, the Black Student Union has strong roots at Ohio University and became a staple during the Civil Rights Movement.
Although the organization has had its ups and downs, a team of dedicated students reorganized the group in 2009. It’s now one of the largest student groups on campus.
“BSU is all about empowerment, and we felt this program would be a great opportunity to highlight and showcase the achievement of black women students and faculty who are making the university a better place,” said Jillian Causey, current president of the Black Student Union. “This event means to me the culmination of what Black History Month is about and why it is celebrated.”
Televised on the BET network, the original “Black Girls Rock” is a yearly awards show that highlights both celebrities and everyday women who are doing extraordinary things in their communities.
“Our ‘Black Girls Rock’ will be much like the awards show on BET,” said Causey. “There is a plethora of intelligent, strong and powerful black women on campus that should be recognized.”
Along with a showcase of exemplary women at Ohio University, BSU has scheduled a fun night full of special guests such as FACES Fashion Club and dance performances by MarvelOUs Dancers and the Athens Black Contemporary Dancers (ABCD), as well as spoken word and musical performers.
“This event will be a wonderful opportunity, for not just the African American community to come together, but for everyone who understands that black girls rock,” explained Causey. “So anyone who wants to attend a nice event and see amazing performances by their peers, while uplifting others, is always welcome.”
“Black Girls Rock” is free and open to the public. Please note that the event is business casual attire.
Other BSU-hosted events for Black History Month include the “Food for the Soul” cook-off competition on Saturday, Feb. 16 and the “Harlem Nights” open-mic show on Wednesday, Feb. 27.
For more information about the Black Student Union at Ohio University, visit www.oubsu.com or follow the organization on Twitter.