Music flooded out of the speakers on Cunningham Lawn at Point Loma Nazarene University as students played giant yard games under the string lights. Tables and chairs were set up in circles, inviting people into PLNU’s Black Student Union’s annual cookout event.
On Thursday, Feb. 26, students gathered to spend time with one another. Rather than the traditional programming of past years, which included guest speakers and Kahoot games, BSU board members wanted this year’s event to feel more casual, something people could simply stop by and enjoy.
Amen Etefa, a fourth-year theology, justice and peace and philosophy double major, serves as the president of BSU. She said that the organization has been impactful during her time at PLNU.
“To me, [BSU] means a community fostered in loving one another … it means inclusion, meeting people where they are at and seeing them for who they are,” Etefa said. “A lot of times people think BSU is only for Black students, but it is truly meant for people of all backgrounds to come together and learn from each other.”
John Prentiss, a first-year undeclared major, attended the cookout, which was his first BSU event. He said he was intrigued by the music and all the people and decided to walk over. He said he loved both the good food and the welcoming atmosphere.
“It’s a great community; it’s awesome, and I’ll definitely be back for another BSU event,” Prentiss said.
Etefa began attending BSU programming in her first year at PLNU and joined the board in her second year. Now she helps manage the budget, attends meetings and plans events — including the cookout.
“This year, we had music, cornhole and good food,” Etefa said. “Our vision was to just have people join in the community without having to worry about anything else.”
Richard Eberheart, director of Multicultural and Internal Student Services, said that he had a great time at the event and credited the BSU team with the success, saying that his role was to help make their vision come to life.
He said that the events’ relaxed, fun and community-oriented atmosphere was exactly what the group had worked hard to curate.
“It’s good vibes,” Eberheart said. “People are hanging out, eating food and games are out. It’s the spirit that they wanted to embody.”
Rahni Reed, a fourth-year child and adolescent development major and BSU board member, helped put the event together by reserving the space, ordering the food, setting everything up and making the playlist.
“We wanted to create a vibe of community and togetherness — because that’s what BSU is,” Reed said.
Olivia Roberts