The Black Student Union (BSU) hosted a Soul Food Night with Ramapo Dining in the Birch Tree Inn on Feb. 4. The event featured favorites such as fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and caesar salad. Additionally, Ramapo College students had the opportunity to enjoy oxtail, collard greens, candied yams, cornbread and Spanish rice. On the dessert end, the dinner event incorporated both apple and pumpkin pie. The event served as one of the first events marking the start of Black History Month. Members of BSU worked with Ramapo Dining Services to design the event menu, providing an experience and palette incorporating both comfort foods and indulgences.
The BSU Soul Food Night is an annual event, allowing the student body to come together to celebrate Black culture and cuisine. “This event means a lot to us,” explained Chanel Taylor, Secretary of the Black Student Union. “[it] allows us to showcase Black culture with the Ramapo Community.” The event was very well received by the student body, with many students, including sophomore Gracyn Nutt, expressing their excitement and enjoyment over the special dinner.
“I absolutely loved this dinner,” remarked Nutt. “Whenever Birch [Tree Inn] has fried chicken, you know it’s going to be a good night.” This dinner was also an opportunity to broaden palettes. “I had never had oxtail before, but I tried it during the dinner and it was absolutely delicious! I also loved the apple pie!” The event received such large attendance that portions of the Atrium were opened up to accommodate the large student turnout. This event allowed the BSU to connect with many students that may not typically attend their events or find themselves in the office, in SC-227 by J. Lees.
The dinner also included several prize raffles, allowing students an opportunity to win a variety of gift cards. The BSU members ran trivia tables, where students had the chance to learn about many prominent historical Black figures. Events like these demonstrate continued efforts to provide educational and immersive experiences for all students. Regardless of our backgrounds, we all can serve a role in embracing and welcoming different cultures, celebrating peers and appreciating Black History.
glisson@ramapo.edu
Featured photo by Kyree Robinson Banks
