2008 Woodie Awards
Letter: BSU talent show: a rising tradition
Issue date: 3/14/07 Section: Opinion
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To the Editor:
"And the winner is . . ." These famous words have echoed on Hawk Hill for over 10 years. What are we talking about? Why, the Black Student Union (BSU) Talent Show, of course.
This annual tradition has become a student life favorite for students, faculty, and staff alike. Director of Multicultural Life, Shoshanna Edwards-Alexander has had the pleasure of watching the BSU talent show grow from just a few acts and even fewer attendees to one that requires auditions, scheduled rehearsals, and even wait lists at times. The yearly event has made the transition from filling a couple of chairs to stressing about space because the venue does not seem to be large enough. This year's 2007 BSU Talent Show was no different. With over a dozen talented acts and over 175 guests in attendance, including Father Lannon, once again the students of BSU put together a stellar event.
What is most unique about the BSU talent show is the fact that is has been one of the few student life events that crosses so many of the cultural barriers that have often divided our campus community. Once thought to be an event for "those multicultural kids", the BSU talent show has grown into so much more. Not only has the BSU talent show fostered a reputation of collaboration and camaraderie, dispelling earlier myths, this annual tradition has garnered the attention of faculty, staff, and even the immediate community, which has also participated in the fun.
The after party, which is also a built-in part of this tradition, serves an even bigger purpose. This communal affair has been an excellent mechanism for building coalitions, multicultural alliances, and social networking for students of color who historically have felt socially isolated on their own campus. Even University College students who rarely attend day school activities have actively participated in the talent show and after party. Invitations to prospective students from area high schools and students of color from area colleges and universities have helped to dispel the perception that Saint Joseph's is only for white students. These small to moderate gatherings have drawn in students from many neighboring colleges who would never consider visiting our campus. Now, these neighboring colleges consider St. Joe's to be a friendly and inviting campus community to come and hang out with.
"And the winner is . . ." These famous words have echoed on Hawk Hill for over 10 years. What are we talking about? Why, the Black Student Union (BSU) Talent Show, of course.
This annual tradition has become a student life favorite for students, faculty, and staff alike. Director of Multicultural Life, Shoshanna Edwards-Alexander has had the pleasure of watching the BSU talent show grow from just a few acts and even fewer attendees to one that requires auditions, scheduled rehearsals, and even wait lists at times. The yearly event has made the transition from filling a couple of chairs to stressing about space because the venue does not seem to be large enough. This year's 2007 BSU Talent Show was no different. With over a dozen talented acts and over 175 guests in attendance, including Father Lannon, once again the students of BSU put together a stellar event.
What is most unique about the BSU talent show is the fact that is has been one of the few student life events that crosses so many of the cultural barriers that have often divided our campus community. Once thought to be an event for "those multicultural kids", the BSU talent show has grown into so much more. Not only has the BSU talent show fostered a reputation of collaboration and camaraderie, dispelling earlier myths, this annual tradition has garnered the attention of faculty, staff, and even the immediate community, which has also participated in the fun.
The after party, which is also a built-in part of this tradition, serves an even bigger purpose. This communal affair has been an excellent mechanism for building coalitions, multicultural alliances, and social networking for students of color who historically have felt socially isolated on their own campus. Even University College students who rarely attend day school activities have actively participated in the talent show and after party. Invitations to prospective students from area high schools and students of color from area colleges and universities have helped to dispel the perception that Saint Joseph's is only for white students. These small to moderate gatherings have drawn in students from many neighboring colleges who would never consider visiting our campus. Now, these neighboring colleges consider St. Joe's to be a friendly and inviting campus community to come and hang out with.
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