This post has been updated to reflect additional reporting and interviews conducted by a second author.
In honor of Black History Month, Sisterhood* and the Student-Athletic Advisory Committee hosted an Open-Mic night at the Lusty Cup. At this intimate gathering on Friday, February 6, students performed poetry, raps, and songs for friends and peers.
The event was emceed by Carina Roberts and Claire Emanuel, who were inspired by a successful Open Mic night they hosted last semester. “It is really important to celebrate Black artistry and joy right now,” said Roberts. “It is a tough time, and it is important to stay positive and find joy in the little things.” The feeling of joy was strong during the event, with performances from the tennis team, who sang a song from the award-winning movie “Sinners,” and Alicia Keys’ “Girl on Fire.” All students were encouraged to perform, incentivized by a free Lusty drink if they signed up.
The room was so full that some people had to stand, but the energy was high as attendees clapped and sang along to Beyoncé’s “Love On Top,” danced to Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright,” and listened attentively to various works by poets such as Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and Audre Lorde. Students even performed their own impactful self-written poems. In between, coordinators invited audience members to stand up, dance, and continue to sign up for performances. Viv Wallace, a coordinator of the event and the treasurer of Sisterhood*, shared, “I am so happy- especially because it is cold outside- I didn’t think that many people could come, so I’m so happy that people came out today, and I really hope
people learned more about different Black artists and poets.”
Since its founding in 1972, Sisterhood* has welcomed students from the African diaspora with a place of comfort and community. Sisterhood* is involved with Perry House history, the building that was formerly allocated for affinity living before it was taken down in 2015, and various oral history projects to
preserve Black stories from Bryn Mawr’s history. They have supported efforts for increased representation on campus and larger-scale issues in the Main Line area.
Hosting this Open Mic alongside Sisterhood* was the Student-Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), an organization of leaders from different athletic teams at Bryn Mawr focused on promoting volunteerism and citizenship in the Bryn Mawr athletic community, among other goals. With commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion, they encourage athletes and non-athletes to attend open meetings, where they accept comments and discussions from the general public. More information can be found on the SAAC website.
“People often portray only the bad side of Black history, and I don’t think society gets enough of the good side of Black culture and the joy and all the stuff that Black people have brought and are still bringing to the world,” said Wallace. “This event is really nice and important because of that.”
To honor Black History Month, Sisterhood* is hosting a series of events throughout the month, including a “Unsung Heroes” panel where students are welcome to nominate BMC staff members who have shown dedication and commitment to Bryn Mawr students and their fellow staff members on February 19. More information about the Unsung Heroes and other Black History Month events can be found under the Black History Month page on the Bryn Mawr website. Updates on Sisterhood*’s events can be found on their Instagram, @sisterhood_bmc, and they can be reached at [email protected].
