CSUSB’s Pan-African Student Success Center kicked off the fall semester with its fourth annual “Welcome Black BBQ” on August 28, 2024. Over 100 students gathered at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center for an evening of food, music, and community, celebrating Black culture with traditional line dances and fellowship.
The Pan-African Student Success Center at CSUSB welcomed students into the fall semester with a BBQ at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. The smell of grilled meat and new beginnings filled the air August 28th, 2024 as over 100 black students gathered at the recreational pool from 5:00-9:00 P.M.
Various chapters of the Divine Nine (Historically Black Greek Fraternities/Sororities), a buffet of delicious food from Mac n’ Cheese to Hot Links, and other resources for black students seeking community were waiting beyond the entrance. This event also featured an enthusiastic DJ with lights and a dance floor for students to participate in traditional line dances such asThe Wobble. Attendees were treated with free Funnel Cake upon arrival and embraced by other black students looking to meet new people.
The Pan-African Student Success Center is known to support students by hosting events that are relevant to students within the Pan-African diaspora such as “The Shop” which is an event on September 5th at 12:00 P.M-3:00 P.M that allows students to get their hair done at no expense, and “Melanin Mondays” where students can engage with others through games and other fun activities. A space like this is important for students of all affiliations to have as it makes student engagement easier to come by and allows for students to connect with resources specifically catered to them.
This is the fourth annual Welcome Black BBQ hosted by the PASSC which has continued to create a space for black students to embrace their culture and connect with others. Members of all ages from Sigma Gamma Rho, Omega Psi Phi, and Delta Sigma Theta were seen strolling around the pool showing off their moves while students cheered them on in awe. Groups of 8 or more gathered together to Electric Slide and Cupid Shuffle in harmony while others made connections and enjoyed the good vibes. Some may say an event like this is exclusionary and can even be overwhelming for incoming students, however; the facility of the PASSC created a supportive and inviting environment for attendees. This served as encouragement for students to visit the Pan-African Student Success Center and connect with familiar faces as most students frequent this space throughout the school week.
