At 7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22, Villanova’s Black Student Union (BSU) will be hosting its Black Gatsby Gala in the Villanova Room of the Connelly Center. The Gala theme is based on The Great Gatsby. Students can expect to be immersed in 1920s glamour.
BSU President Sidney Mbah is looking forward to the event.
“This event really represents home for Black Villanovans,” Mbah said. “It’s a once-a-year experience where we get to come together, bask in our Blackness unapologetically, and celebrate the richness of our culture in a space that’s created for us and by us. A lot of times, finding that sense of cultural comfort on campus can be challenging, so having a night where our music, food, art and joy are centered means everything.”
The gala is the last of BSU’s Black History Month events. Throughout February, BSU and the University have hosted numerous events to celebrate Black history, culture and community.
“This month, Villanova will celebrate the contributions of African American and Black people within our community and throughout history,” the University said earlier this month, across its various social media platforms.
“Our hope is that the energy, unity, and pride built throughout February carries on for the rest of the semester,” Mbah said. “That people keep showing up for one another, celebrating each other, and pushing forward a culture of inclusion and love for all Villanova students.”
Formal attire is required to attend. According to an Instagram post from BSU, students can expect a “night of elegance, style, good food and celebration.”
“There’ll be great music, amazing food, and live entertainment from our very own Black arts organizations and student performers,” Mbah said. “We’re incorporating elements like community engagement and opportunities for people to connect and just have a good time together.”
The annual BSU Award winners will also be announced during the gala. The categories are: Arts and Creativity, Professional Development, Community Service, Social Advocacy, Rising Organization of the Year and Organization of the Year.
According to an Instagram post from BSU, the awards serve to honor “Black and multicultural organizations making real impact on campus.”
“We’ll be recognizing excellence in our community with up to six awards being given out,” Mbah said. “Overall, it’s a night full of culture, love and celebration, and we want as many people as possible to come out and be part of it.”
The Gala may be the last of BSU’s Black History Month events, but BSU and the Villanova community will continue to celebrate Black history and achievement throughout the year.
“Even though this gala closes out Black History Month, we don’t see it as an ending,” Mbah said. “It’s more of a milestone and a reminder. In a time where conversations about underrepresentation are becoming more political and more visible, we want this month, and especially this event, to be a way to express love and support for the Black community and other minority groups on campus who are continuing to build spaces where they feel seen and represented. It’s not just a gala, it’s a moment of affirmation, pride and unity for our community.”
Students can look forward to a night of celebration, food and fun. More information regarding BSU Awards and where to purchase tickets can be found on BSU’s Instagram page.
