The Association of Black Students hosts their annual Black Arts & Sciences Festival next week to celebrate their 40th anniversary. With a theme of “Self Determination: Where Do We Begin?” the event’s typical emphasis on musicians or artists takes a back seat to an appreciation of the legacy of the group’s legacy.
The Association of Black Students (ABS) has activities planned throughout the week, from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3.
“Black Arts & Sciences Festival (BASF) is a reflection of ABS’s rich legacy and impact on the Wash. U. community. BASF gives us the opportunity to present our talents and passions as a cohesive [group] working to enrich both the black and Wash. U. communities,” said sophomore Laura Hawkes, programming chair for ABS.
For 40 years ABS has held a place on campus, and the BASF week has occurred since the 1970s. In 1967, a group of black students, including alumnus Robert Johnson, marched to Brookings Hall and held a nine day sit-in to demand their rights. Threatening to blow up the University’s one and only computer, they received their rights. The event symbolizes “a transition from the past to the present,” said sophomore Sarah Johnson, publicity chair for ABS.
“This year, our 40th anniversary is so important to us, because of the rich history that has brought us to today. People risked everything that they had, more than their grades, just to get rights for the coming generations,” said Johnson.
The group presented their Black Manifesto to the University in 1968. Washington University, the Manifesto stated, needed a black studies program, increased enrollment and financial aid for black students, an employment aid promotional policy regarding black people and general awareness and sensitivity of the administration, staff and faculty. ABS also demanded meeting facilities for their group and University research inclusive of black people.
The group’s efforts paid off in 1969 when Robert Williams began the University’s first black studies program.
The idea of this year’s theme, besides recognizing the efforts of those founding alumni, comes from the speech title of the Nov. 1 Assembly Series speaker, feminist bell hooks.
Hooks’ work emphasizes a need for healing the negative effects class, gender and race have on individuals and society.
Other highlights of the week include a movie night and discussion on Oct. 31. “The Hurricane” is a 1999 film about the story of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, played by Denzel Washington. According to the movie’s Web site, Carter was a 1960s boxer whose dreams of winning the middleweight boxing title were hopeless after an accusation and subsequent jailing for the murders of three white men. His 20 year fight for justice becomes central to the film.
Two days later, on Nov. 2, sophomore Aaron Hutcherson, ABS political affairs chair, said he plans to have a program concerning the Black Manifesto, one of the founding documents of ABS. Further, he wants to address how there are still some demands, such as increased enrollment for black students, that have not yet been met.
The week culminates with the annual Supreme Reign Semi-Formal in Holmes Lounge on Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Students can purchase tickets for $15 in Wohl Center.
All students, regardless of race, are welcome and encouraged to attend any of these events. ABS President, senior Olufolajimi “Jimi” Ige, said one of ABS’ goals for the year is to remind students that ABS is a resource for everybody. “Even on our Executive Board, we don’t have all black students. Whether you’re part of ABS or any cultural group, you should see it as the beginning of your social group,” said Ige.
Ige said he wants students to realize ABS is not exclusive and has opportunities for all students.”I had a phone call from a white female the other day, and she said coming to the [ABS General Body meeting] was eye-opening,” said Ige.
He added that she gained a new perspective after being the minority in the room, rather than the majority. The cultural fabric of the nation and Washington University has changed greatly in the last 40 years, said Hutcherson.
“Aptly naming this year’s theme as ‘self determination’ shows that although 40 years have passed since Robert Johnson and his classmates were able to achieve some of their goals, the process is not over. Black people, people as a whole actually, continue to define themselves and find their place in a college community,” said Johnson.
For more information on the week’s events, visit spark.wustl.edu.