A new student-led event honoring Black culture will make its debut at Saginaw Valley State University this week.
Senior communication major Mariah Baker first came up with the idea for a tradition during her freshman year that would bring the university’s Black community together for a celebration. On Thursday, that vision becomes reality with the Black Excellence Ball.
“This event will be for the multicultural students here on campus,” Baker said. “We welcome everybody, but I really wanted to shine a light on our multicultural students here, giving them a safe space. It’s something we could potentially make annual here. It’s the first of its kind at SVSU, and we just want to be seen.”
The event, partly inspired by SVSU’s annual Cardinal Ball, aims to improve accessibility by removing ticket fees while celebrating Black culture, Baker said. The Black Excellence Ball will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, in the Curtiss Hall banquet rooms.
Many organizations were involved in planning the event, including the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Ladies in Leadership, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Organization of Black Unity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, Men of Distinction, Black Studies Association, Anointed Women of Divine Power and Purpose, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
While it’s new to SVSU, the Black Excellence Ball is not a new concept. Events honoring Black excellence are celebrated at universities nationwide. For instance, Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in Ohio is hosting its fifth annual Black Excellence Ball on Feb. 22, according to a flyer shared on the Black Student Union at BGSU’s Instagram.
“Black excellence is not only about skin color,” she said. “It’s about being able to overcome stereotypes multicultural students and individuals face, and being able to stand in your purpose and do big things … [It’s about] being more than what you were set out or looked at to be.”
The event is open to the campus community to join in on the celebration of Black culture. Attendees are asked to wear black-tie attire, with Met Gala-inspired looks encouraged.
According to the event description, this event is intended to be “more than a ball—it’s a celebration of legacy, excellence, and community.”
The Valley Vanguard will provide additional coverage following the event.
