Posts tagged ‘Black Student Union’

Black Student Union and Celebration LVC Host Kwanzaa Celebration

The Black Student Union and members of the Celebration LVC Taskforce hosted a 2021 Kwanzaa celebration at the Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery in the Zimmerman Recital Hall in early December. Dr. Nate Gadsden, a minister, motivational speaker, and life coach, gave a resounding historical overview of the context for Kwanzaa, which African American scholar Maulana Karenga created in the 1960s. LVC President James MacLaren welcomed the guests to the celebration before Chris Luzon ’25 performed When We Were Young by Adele. 

Johña Wetzel ’24, Jolly Abouseif ’24, Yonaira Velazquez Seguinot ’24, Taylor Mazanek ’24, Margaret Mailey ’24, Ethan Tirado ’22, and Raynae Bosley ’22—led the lighting of the candles to recognize the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Shellann Worthen ’22, Asma Badaway ’25, and Darrell Duri ’22 shared self-narratives on what they bring to the LVC community. Bosley then delivered a final musical performance. Wetzel, Kayla Spiller ’22, and several other students helped plan and run the event.

During the celebration, the inaugural Nguzu Saba Award was introduced to recognize individuals who embodies all seven principles of Kwanzaa. Evelyn Colón, advancement coordinator, and Dr. Terrence Alladin, assistant professor of criminal justice, are this year’s staff and faculty recipients. The award will be presented annually during the Kwanzaa celebration based on student votes.