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BSA hosts Black Excellence Ball

Bradley’s Black Student Alliance hosted its annual Black Excellence Ball Sunday in the student center ballroom to honor students displaying a positive attitude both in and outside of academics.

The event included a photo booth and a light dinner for attendees to celebrate the honored students.

“The Ball was just an idea that came up in a meeting,” BSA president Martin Jackson said. “We wanted a way to honor and celebrate black culture, and to encourage our peers to be excellent in every way.”

The ball was intentionally held during Black History Month, which is celebrated annually by the United States, Canada and United Kingdom.

“Black history month is a specific time reserved for black people that made differences in the past to be recognized,” Tyesha Smith, vice president of BSA, said. “The Black Excellence Ball correlates to that as it is an event that celebrates black people, from the past and today, for their perseverance through struggle and oppression, and just how they portray and carry themselves in general.”

Students who demonstrate a positive attitude, good academic standing and an admirable manner received excellence awards.

Mr. and Miss Freshman were awarded to Lander Braggs, a freshman mechanical engineering major, and Loreal Anderson, a freshman nursing major, respectively.

“The importance of winning from a leadership standpoint is to symbolize hard work and contribution to events and clubs around campus, while managing excellent grades at the same time,” Anderson said. “Everyday, I am determined to keep a positive attitude and keep pushing forward regardless of my circumstances because I know my future is bright.”

Mr. and Miss Excellence were awarded to Martin Bonsu, a junior marketing major, and Tyesha Smith, a sophomore criminal justice studies major, respectively. The women received tiaras and roses, while the men received crowns.

“I feel that winning further expresses the leadership skills I possess,” Smith said. “My culture and being an African American embodies who I am, and I hope to advance in black excellence and be a better leader for my people.”

The centerpiece for each table included a picture of an influential black leader. All students were welcome to attend the ball to appreciate excellence in black culture.

“I felt that this event was needed on this campus for numerous reasons, but the most important thing was unity,” Bonsu said. “The best part about the event was coming together as a community and being able to interact with one [another] and celebrate Black History Month.”

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