The Baldwin Wallace University Black Student Alliance hosted their annual ball with an Enchanted Garden theme in the Student Activities Center on April 22, 2023.
Admission was $5 and the Ball ran from 8-11 p.m. The night included a photo booth, DJ, food, drinks and lots of dancing. This event was open to all including local BSA’s and Black Student University’s, family, friends, students and faculty.
BSA officer and junior student Jaydon McMillion said that as many students missed out on their high school prom because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2023 ball has special importance.
“I didn’t get a prom my senior year so kind of allow everyone to come back in, get dressed up, put their best fits on have a good time,” McMillion said. “And then I would say just being able to throw an event that we can bring not only BW students in but students around Cleveland within their BSA’s and BSU’s to just enjoy I would say the presence of another black community.”
At its core the BSA mission serves to both open the minds of all students about African American culture and serve as a unifying force for all members of the BW community and beyond.
“More than anything I think it’s an honor thing because especially not only being a part of it as a member but on the board, I would say it gives me a role of being able to lead people around me that look like me, may experience some of the things that I experience, or have experienced,” McMillon said. “It also gives me a sense of power and not in iron fist power but a sense of fulfillment with a lot of the things that we do because it’s like I’m in a position to help people achieve the things.”
Under the umbrella of BSA are Black Girls Rock and Men In Action. Through BSA, students can grow an alumni network, especially during the Annual ReachBack Weekend that they host, which was held on April 14-15.
Throughout this year, BSA was able to host a multitude of other events.
In the fall BW had a kickball competition against the John Carroll BSA. Other fall activities included a Soul Food Dinner and Halloween Jam.
This Spring BSA brought back a popular event in prior years, BSA After Dark, providing students the option to enjoy each other’s presence in a safe space. Some of the activities include bowling, skating, watching a movie, or anything else that would bring the group together for a fun time.
McMillon said that with these events, BSA made his transfer to BW a much smoother experience.
“More than anything I would say my favorite part of BSA is the community I get from it,” McMillon said. “Being able to come in here and be so accepted by I would say the black community within the school for one but two not only be accepted but find a way to be connected with them through things like BSA has just made my transition into BW just so smooth but also its given me an ability to be an outlet to some of my teammates as well.”
