UTSA hosts Black Heritage Month Banquet
Left to Right: CaShonda Henderson, Korede Osifuwa
Left to Right: CaShonda Henderson, Korede Osifuwa
Share this Story(March 5, 2015) -- The UTSA Student Center for Community Engagement and Inclusion recently held its annual Black Heritage Banquet on the UTSA Main Campus as part of the university’s Black History Month celebrations. Nearly 400 faculty, staff and students participated in the annual event, which was created to serve as a reminder of the rich heritage of the Black community.
The theme for the banquet was “A Cultured Community is a Thriving Community: Know Your Roots.” The banquet showcased how young leaders within the UTSA community are commemorating its diverse music, culture and history.
This year, UTSA students celebrated the banquet through a variety of performances. Tayhija Martin sang the first the first verse of “Life Every Voice,” which is considered to be the Black National Anthem. Jyron Joseph, T’Andre Smith and Derek Bell sang a medley of the songs “What’s Going On” and “Lean on Me.” The UTSA Black Student Union Dance Team performed “Wade in the Water.”
The keynote speaker for the evening was Andrea Hardeman, talent acquisition manager at Nationwide Insurance. She spoke about the importance of understanding and commemorating Black Heritage, and of remembering to pay tribute to Black struggle, history, flourishment, music and culture. She emphasized the importance of respecting one’s roots as ways through which to improve and enhance life.
The recipient of this year’s Outstanding Black Student Leadership Award was Korede Osifuwa. Osifuwa was recognized because of her student leadership within the UTSA community and her dedication to the advancement of the university and its students. CaShonda Henderson, last year’s award-winner, nominated Osifuwa for the energy and enthusiasm she brings to her leadership endeavors.
The banquet was coordinated by the UTSA Black Heritage Month Planning Committee. Planning committee members included Sam Ayoade, Tashavia Beverly-Prince, La’Tia Blue, Keitra Bruner, Alika Carter, Paula Celis, Alexandria Deal, Jasmine Gatlin, Christina Jack, Destiny Jones, Kiana Lalau, Alaina Lopez, Enrica Martey, Mia Mitchell, Ediri Nesiama, Raven Thomas-Talley, Courtney Hunter and Erika Garcia.
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Events
This event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.
North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main CampusAt this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.
