Clubs unite to co-sponsor Black Heritage Service
By Mayeesa Mitchell // Staff Writer
High Point University’s Diversity Club and Black Cultural Awareness, as well as the Office of Religious Life, are teaming up to honor Black History Month through song, dance and poetry in a special chapel service later this month.
The third annual Black Heritage Service will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28 in David Hayworth Chapel. This year’s theme is “Who we are & why our lives matter.”
“As a club who focuses on the lives and heritage of African Americans, it is our job to make sure that the students don’t miss out on learning about some of the most beautiful history of our nation,” said Danielle Criss, co-president of BCA.
The service will feature special guest Clint Smith, a poet, educator and viral Ted Talk speaker. Additionally, the Otesha Cultural Arts Ensemble will be performing a traditional African dance. The UNCG Black Box Project will be performing spoken word and the Genesis Gospel Choir will be singing a few selections.
“This is a chance to learn about history in a whole new light through various forms of performing arts,” Criss said. “This service is an opportunity to experience a semi-traditional African American church setting by using aspects of art to learn about black heritage.”
Plans for the event first began three years ago when Criss spoke to Rev. Preston Davis about the rise of spoken word and possibly having an event featuring spoken word on campus. Criss combined this with her own idea of having a chapel service in honor of Black History Month.
“This is something that HPU hasn’t really seen before and it is the duty of Black Cultural Awareness to educate our community about Black heritage,” said Criss.
When asked why people should attend this event, Criss said, “Not only is this event inspiring, fun and upbeat, but it is also different.”