Music from more than a decade ago from Black artists who made the 2016 era so memorable, as vice president of the Black Organization Alliance Board (BOAB), Eunice Okyere says, filled the Lucas Room Friday evening during the Black History Month Kick Off party.
The Black Student Union (BSU) and BOAB came together to host yet another annual Black History Month kick-off party.
With black and gold streamers, 2016 balloons, snacks and more, the two organizations transformed the space into a celebration of culture, nostalgia and unity, all with one goal: to bring students together at the start of an important month.
Truth Elliott, president of the Black Student Union, said the theme was more than just a fun aesthetic that’s going viral on social media right now; it was a cultural statement.
“2016 was a good peak in culture when it came to music, fashion and Black influence,” Elliott said. “Black culture was really, really integrated in that. So just showcasing that Black culture has been evident from 2016 and also in 2026 is very important to showcase to the students so they can see our impact.”
Celebrating culture
The event began at 7 p.m., and by 8:30 p.m., dozens of students had gathered to spend their Friday night celebrating Black History in a fun way.
“I think it’s great they did this in general, and I’m glad everyone is out here and coming together; we needed that,” second-year student Kimora Everett said.
Among the crowd were members of some of UNC Charlotte’s Divine Nine Greek organizations, who said that the event felt really special in a campus environment where they don’t always see their culture centered.
Tymia Edmond, a fourth-year student and member of the Nu Rho chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., said the night represented more than just a themed party.
“To me, that means just being able to celebrate our history and celebrate our culture,” Edmund said. “Especially, I think I speak for all of us, we are a part of nationally Black Greek-letter organizations. So just being able to showcase our history and kind of come together and celebrate with other peers is perfect to me.”
Kameron Austin, a fourth-year student and member of the Rho Gamma chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., emphasized the importance of unity, particularly at a predominantly white institution (PWI).
“Coming from all different backgrounds and also being at a PWI, just having this sense of community is really what it’s all about,” Austin said.
Spencer Williams, also a fourth-year member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., echoed that sentiment.
For the three seniors, the 2016 theme added an extra layer of connection.
“I think the party is a great idea, especially hearing music from Black artists,” Austin said. “Some of these songs we grew up on or listened to in our everyday lives. It’s really cool being able to hear them with our friends.”
A deeper meaning
With a successful turnout, Elliott, Okyere and the vice president of BSU, Chandler Johnson, said that seeing students attend their event was deeply meaningful and made all the setup worth it.
“It’s important for a lot of people to come out because we want them to see that we can unify despite the times that we’re in, like the current climate of the political state,” Elliott said. “We really need to unify and have each other’s back during this time.”
While the evening centered on celebration, organizers acknowledged a more serious backdrop; the three noted that the University itself has not hosted Black History Month-specific programming so far this year, which they described as concerning.
They pointed to recent changes in diversity, equity and inclusion policies as part of a shifting landscape.
“It’s been alarming with the University, especially since the DEI policy is being repealed or transformed in a certain type of way,” Okyere said. “We are a large population on campus, with the Black Student Union being one of the biggest student organizations. Seeing that the University isn’t supporting us in events, but also not in initiatives, is concerning.”
Okyere said student leaders often feel called to fill gaps in support.
“I feel like the University is responsible for policymaking and making sure Black students are supported,” Okyere said. “It feels like, as student leaders, we have to step in the role of the University when it comes to that. But we’re always going to be here for each other, no matter who is and who isn’t.”