On Tuesday, Feb. 13, students were invited to experience Mardi Gras in the Sharwan Smith Student Center Ballroom at Southern Utah University. The event, a collaboration between the Black Student Union and the Student Programming Board, offered live jazz music, free food and the opportunity to learn about the Black Student Union and Black history.
Approximately 150 students were in attendance, roughly 50 more than SPB events have on average.
The idea of Mardi Gras on campus started last year and has been on the to-do list for the Black Student Union and Student Programming Board. Mardi Gras is a traditionally Christian holiday and dates back thousands of years to celebrate the days leading up to lent.
“I am excited about the turnout this year and will hopefully be making this an every-year event,” said Emily Wixom, assistant to the vice president of programming. “In the future, I’m excited to see how much this event can grow.”
Mardi Gras is during Black History Month, which makes it a great opportunity to celebrate Black culture. This year, the theme of the Black History Month events is “African Americans and the Arts,” so the Mardi Gras event was filled with lots of music inspired by African Americans.
“SUU has a low Black student population, so we wanted to make sure that they had a comfortable place to celebrate Black History Month,” said Paige Iverson, president of the Black Student Union. Iverson was instrumental in making this event happen. “This is also for any race of students who are just here to have a comfortable place to learn about a culture that isn’t their own,” said Iverson.
Iverson and Wixom were both excited about the learning opportunity that was provided to students. This event will reoccur next year and will continue to allow students to eat, socialize, learn and listen to live music. Check the SUU Events Calendar for information on upcoming BSU and other Black History Month events.
Author: Maggie Whipple
Photos: Lukas Hassell
Editor: Nick Stein
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