The Conney M. Kimbo Black Cultural Center (BCC) hosted a Welcome Back Barbecue that brought together Black students, staff and faculty for an evening of community in a fun and casual space.
“It was a really good turnout,” Black Student Union (BSU) co-spokesperson Yaleigh Harris `26 said of the barbeque, which was held on Friday, Sept. 5. “We had really good food, there was music, there were games and it was an opportunity for the first years to immerse themselves in the environment.”
Harris credited Jenée Spencer, director of intercultural affairs and Black student specialist, with planning the event.
“Welcome back events at our cultural centers brought together new and returning students and faculty and staff in fun, vibrant celebrations, hopefully helping our cultural centers feel like homes away from home,” wrote Vrinda Varia, associate chief diversity officer, in an email to The S&B.
Both Harris and Moses Milenge `26, also a BSU co-spokesperson, said events like the Welcome Back Barbecue are critical for building community and for connecting Black first-year students with resources on campus.
“I was just going around, taking first years, introducing them to the people that I know, so they can feel connected to the family,” said Milenge.
Harris and Milenge said they both hope to continue involving first years in BSU and BCC activities throughout the year.
“It’s super important that we have first-year reps on our cabinet, because it’ll connect us and give us kind of a direct voice from the Black student body who are first years,” said Harris.
“You still have to socialize, get to know other folks, but at the end of the day, you know you have a home to go to, which is BSU and the BCC,” said Milenge, reflecting on his own experience as first year student coming to Grinnell from a predominantly Black high school. “I want the first years to feel welcome, to feel like they belong here too.”
Other BCC and BSU programming planned for this semester and beyond include weekly get-together events, community meals, Black Alumni Weekend in October and the Black Joy Mixer in February. Harris and Milenge said that students interested in BSU can learn more at the Student Involvement Fair on Thursday, Sept. 18.