Heritage Ball celebrates BSA achievements
Diversity, energy, and excitement are all words that can be used to describe the Black Student Alliance and its annual Heritage Ball, which took place March 18. The event was held in Magnolia Ballroom and was filled with variety, from the Parisian, Je T’aime prom theme and the eclectic mix of music to the Chinese food served.
Tameka Dean, a senior biology pre-med major, is BSA coordinator through the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity as well as vice president.
- A group dances at the Heritage Ball sponsored by the by Black Student Alliance, which was held March 18. The ball has been a tradition for over 25 years at GCSU.
“This is our first year doing a prom theme, but it is typically called the Legacy Banquet or the Heritage Ball, which is basically just something for students to go to so they can dress up and have fun,” Dean said.
The annual Heritage Ball has been in existence for over 25 years at GCSU and is a great opportunity for members and non-members alike to come together to enjoy a night of fun.
“People are excited about it. It’s one of our major events every year so it’s something to look forward to because it’s not the typical on-campus party,” Dean said.
Many components went into the production of the dance. The music was mixed by Nigel Sanyangore, a junior math major, food was provided by Sodexo, and the enthusiasm was brought by the students.
“With dances like these on campus, I feel that it actually brings people together,” Sanyangore said.
The Black Student Alliance has made a point to try and connect GCSU students who are new or want to get more involved with events on campus.
Karissa Reed, a sophomore Spanish major, recently transferred to GCSU from Augusta State University and said she has felt welcomed by the BSA.
“I didn’t know too many people here, I knew some, but not a whole lot, so it was pretty welcoming to have people to talk to,” Reed said.
Chevene Simmons, a second-year graduate student, has been involved with the BSA for the past two years and appreciates the fervor the group has.
“I work in the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity and I am with the minority mentoring program, but BSA is in the same office,” Simmons said. “I think over the last two years we have had a dedicated body of students that come here. We have the freshmen that are on fire and have actually stayed around, have joined some positive programmers. I just like the camaraderie.”
The BSA offers a wide range of activities throughout the school year, from a talent show in November to other community service opportunities.
“We did a carnival for the children at Boys & Girls Club, which we do every year,” Dean said. “We also went to the House of Mercy in Macon for people who are HIV positive who can’t afford treatment.”
After a full year of activities and volunteering, the Heritage Ball acts as an award for dedicated work. To cap off the night, Simmons along with Natolie Powell were crowned as prom king and queen.
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