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The Black Student Forum (BSF) hosted the 32nd annual Black Family Weekend this past Friday through Sunday. BSF invited alumni and current students, as well as prospective freshmen and their families, to enjoy a handful of activities in the Boston College environment.
The weekend kicked off with a talent show in the Rat. The event featured a number of students giving solos and singing performances, while cultural clubs and step groups such as the Jamaican Association and Dance Troupe also made appearances.
After the show, the Trinity Chapel on Newton Campus hosted the 26th annual Voices of Imani Gospel Concert. Donald Brown, director of AHANA student programs, opened the event and University PresidentRev. William P. Leahy, SJ, addressed the alumni and the crowd that gathered.
The next morning brought a full day of events as families gathered in Fulton 511 for a panel discussion titled, "A Dream Deferred: The Black Vote in 2004." The panel consisted of Anthony Farley, a professor at BC Law School, Leon Williams, a professor at the Graduate School of Social Work, Shara Hammond, A&S '05, and Curtis Randall, CSOM '05. The discussion was moderated by Burnell Holland, UGBC vice president-elect and A&S '05, and sought to give viewers the chance to examine the importance of voting in the upcoming election.
A variety of topics were covered, including the Bush administration, the war in Iraq, and the No Child Left Behind Act.
Recreational activities such as Family Fun Day and the Alumni Student basketball game took place, with students beating alumni for a second straight year. The halftime show was performed by FISTS, who co-sponsored the event.
The BSF Fashion Show titled, "Love Is ..." took place in Conte Forum, featuring student models wearing various types of clothing apparel from the likes of Nike and Steve Madden. A timeline scene opened up the show as clothes were modeled from each decade starting with the '60s.
There was also a party scene, one modeled after The Real World, and a barbershop scene.
"The show was very well thought out," said Helina Teklehaimanot, A&S '05. "It focused on love within the black community and how integral that is."
Sunday morning began with a prayer service at St. Mary's Chapel, and the weekend ended with an Awards Brunch in the Walsh function room.
The Sharps opened the event and Steve Tompkins, BC '81, an employee of the Suffolk county Sheriff department, spoke. The event gave recognition to everyone who had planned the event since early last summer.
Overall, families enjoyed the weekend, which offered them a chance to involve themselves in the school and with its students.
"The idea and agenda is a really good idea," said Denise Watt, mother of Eugene Watt, A&S '06. "It's wonderful when you can be involved with your young adult."
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