In an effort to offer the University community a peek at black culture, the Black Student Union is hosting the Black Arts Festival this weekend.
The festival “has a lot of black arts that normally aren’t shown on campus,” said Tonya Thorsteinsson, a junior general science major and internal director for the BSU. “It gives a community on this campus, who may not even know about this type of music and arts, a chance to know themselves.”
The festival will start with a Black Arts Concert in the EMU Ballroom on Saturday at noon. Musical performances will include the University Gospel Ensemble, Motown recording artist Kilmoa, Alaska recording artist Duke and members of the BSU.
Following the concert, BSU members of the University’s Greek system will perform in a Greek Step Show in the EMU Ballroom from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sophomore business major and BSU member Marc-Daniel said many students do not know that stepping is a tradition of African tribes.
“It’s part of our culture and we need to revisit [stepping] and share it with other people,” he said.
Members of six sororities and fraternities, in addition to the Jefferson Steppers, will participate in the performance, which will be followed by a party in the Gumwood Room at 9 p.m.
On Sunday, BSU members are hosting the Unity Games and a barbecue starting at noon on the Esslinger Intramural Field. Students are invited to participate in team competitions such as mastering obstacle courses. Free food will be available to all participants.
The cover charge for the entire weekend’s events is $10 and tickets are available at the EMU Ticket Office.
BSU member and ASUO Student Senator Waweru Gatimu, a junior double-majoring in political science and general science, said that although he is concerned non-black students might not feel invited, he hopes they will attend the festival in an effort to broaden their cultural awareness.
“I believe that some students may feel excluded because of the title of the festival, but I feel that everybody here at the University of Oregon needs to get a full college experience,” Waweru said.
Marc-Daniel also said he hopes all students feel invited, regardless of the color of their skin or ethnicity.
“It’s inclusive to everybody,” he said. “I think it’s important because any time black people can display their culture we can really make people aware of what’s going on.”