By Sol Ayala
Online Media Writer
Walden, a student-led organization dedicated to serving Trevecca’s Black students, will continue to celebrate and create a space for the voices of minority students on campus, as well as to include and create community with all students. During the month of February the club is celebrating and commemorating Black History Month with events that involve and give space to Black creators and educate students on Black history.
Black History Month Kickoff
To start the celebrations for Black History Month, Walden hosted a kickoff event with free soul food prepared by chef Sterling Wright, finalist of “Hell’s Kitchen” season 13. Sterling was able to participate and cook for students, as he and Walden faculty advisor Iris Gordon are longtime friends.
“We wanted to start of Black History Month with some type of event that was more Social,” said Maya Smith, events coordinator for Walden. “Students and faculty and staff came together, it was really chill, good vibes. It was a good start for Black History Month.”
New Orleans style soul food, vegan combo, shrimp and grits, and kitchen dishes were students showed up and enjoyed the food made by chef Sterling.
Chapel Movie Night
With the help of university chaplain Erik Gernand, a chapel credit opportunity was given to students on Monday, Feb 6, at the showing of the movie Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom. This was part of Gernand’s plan to offer more diverse chapel options for students.
Walden Museum Outing
During the month of February, the National Museum of African American Music has free admission on Wednesdays. Walden partnered with the History club to host a group to visit the museum on Feb 8. A total of 15 students attended the event.
The museum is an educational and accessible way to expose students to the history of African American history. The galleries preserve and celebrate more than 50 music genres and music styles influenced and a part of African American culture.
Students were able to participate in interactive rooms like the Rivers of Rhythm corridor that links African American history with African American music, and a dance room, which takes visitors on a dance-style timeline of popular music from African American artists.
Talent Showcase
The talent showcase is an opportunity for black students at Trevecca to highlight their gifts and abilities in partnership with the Creative Artist of Tennessee, who will also be performing in the show. This has been a long-time event the club does every year.
An invitation for all students who want to participate in the talent show is open until Feb 13. Whether that be singing, dancing, or poetry, the talent show is meant for people to be creative and showcase what black history means to them, said Smith. The show will be held in the Zelma Performance Hall on Feb 26 starting at 6:30pm.
At the event, Walden will be raising money for the club by selling club merch.
The Black Renaissance
The Black Renaissance is a new event put on this year bringing together Black-owned businesses in Nashville all in one place. On Thursday, Feb 23 in the Boone convocation center from 6pm to 9pm, food trucks as well as businesses that sell clothes, skin care, handmade goods, shoes, and art will be set up for students to browse and support local Black business owners.
Community-Wide Food Distribution
Saturday, Feb 25 from 7:30am to 10am, the Trevecca men’s soccer team, Walden and the organization One Generation Way, will be hosting a volunteer opportunity at a local community food drive-through. One Generation Way has sent invitations to the communities around campus, and Walden has been working closely with Napier Elementary school, putting up flyers to advertise the food drive.
Volunteer opportunities are open for all Trevecca students. For more information contact Carolyn Johnson at ccjhonson2@treveca.edu.
Walden Wednesdays
For every Wednesday of Black History Month, Walden will be hosting Walden Wednesdays, which is when students can dress up according to the theme of the day. Feb 1 was “Twinnem day,” when students were to coordinate outfits to “twin” with their friends. On Feb 8 was “Rewind day,” where students wear vintage-inspired outfits. “So Fresh, So Clean day” is Feb 15, encouraging students to put on their favorite outfit and be extra. Feb 22 is “Way Back Wednesday,” which is when students dress up in outfits that their aunties, uncles, and grandparents would wear, or other clothing styles that are a part of African American fashion.
