A night to remember, Black Excellence Night at St. Kate’s
By Rayan Abdulkadir
On Thursday, Feb. 27, the Centers for Equity and Belonging hosted a celebration of Black excellence in the Rauenhorst Ballroom. I was invited to read a spoken word poem and listen in on the wisdom of a variety of speakers, like Maisah Blanton—coordinator and one of the newest members of the Centers for Equity and Belonging team—our university president Dr. Marcheta Evans, our Student Senate president Luul Adam and Dean of Nursing Dr. Suzanne Lehman. We also had the opportunity to hear from members of the National Organization of Minority Architects and witness some beautiful and exciting performances from the Duniya Drum & Dance Company.
Walking into the room, I was greeted by the presence of Riley Swope, one of St. Kate's Equity and Belonging Coordinators. Her smile is always a source of light in our community. The music was vibrant and the community was even brighter. The tables were adorned in yellow satin cloths and floral centerpieces. In addition, each table had a set of cards with Black historical figures. Guests were asked to dress formally, and they did not disappoint. The room was full of floor-length dresses, eye-catching jewelry and dazzling suit jackets.
The first hour of the event was a social hour. Guests drank orange blossom punch and sangria while talking amongst themselves. Guests took pictures at the photo booth set up with props and sparkly lights. Soon after came my time to shine. I was introduced onto the stage by Noha Elmohandes, our director of Equity & Belonging here at St. Kate's. I walked up with my head held high. The microphone screeched at me, but I kept at it anyway. My friends put their hands together and stood for applause. Looking around, I was so thankful to be there and that we have a department on our campus that works to ensure that Black excellence is honored. Events like this help us become a better and more connected campus community that strives to uplift and support each other.
I have spent so much of my life hoping for acknowledgement and mutual understanding, and for the first time I truly feel like I am seen—especially in the Centers for Equity and Belonging. I have been given access to a community that I will have lifelong ties to, and I am incredibly grateful. I am so proud of the connections I've built this past year. I have been offered a life of beautiful opportunities like this one.
I am thankful for the work of Maisah Blanton, Director of Application Systems Mary Oluwalowo, Noha Elmohandes, Riley Swope, Equity and Belonging Coordinator Jay Louwagie and all of the staff who work to ensure that our achievements are not only seen but honored. I encourage you all to continue showing up for each other and honoring each other's achievements every day. We have started a new tradition that I hope continues to live on even after my time at St. Kate’s comes to an end. I encourage you to attend one of the events, or maybe even hang out in one of the offices located on the second floor of the CDC, next to the coffee shop and across from the interfaith prayer room. It's a gift to be in community, and I hope we never take that for granted.
