By Valentina Toro
Contributor
The Black Student Union hosted its annual Soulful Social on Sept. 24, bringing students and faculty together for an evening of culture, food and connection.
Organizers said the Soulful Social is more than just a celebration — it is an opportunity to create a space where students feel welcomed and supported.
“The BSU serves as an umbrella for all the multicultural organizations,” physics major Devyn Newton, a junior and vice president of the BSU, said. “We want every person to feel welcomed and show that there’s a community here at Southern.”
The event held at the Multicultural Center in the Adanti Student Center featured soulful dishes, music and a “hot takes” segment that highlighted the richness of Black culture.
The students who attended echoed that sentiment. The evening provided guests with the opportunity to relax, connect with other people and celebrate their identity in a welcoming environment.
“I’d say the vibe was very comforting, energetic and fun — people felt comfortable just being themselves,” accounting major Eric Marowa, a freshman, said.
A central feature of the evening was the “hot takes” segment, where students spoke candidly about topics ranging from everyday campus life to broader issues of representation and inclusivity.
The mix of humor, honesty and reflection created a space where participants could share experiences while also learning from one another.
“The hot takes have been my favorite part of the event so far,” Marowa said. “Everybody was really speaking their mind, and it was fun because everybody could say what they feel.”
The BSU has long been a cornerstone of student life by offering a platform for leadership, advocacy and cultural expression.
The signature gathering brought together students from all backgrounds while centering Black culture and experience.
By weaving together elements of celebration, the event fosters both unity and awareness on campus.
“At the Black Student Union, we don’t discriminate. Everybody is open to come to any of our meetings. That doesn’t mean that we should put ourselves to the minority of Black people,” Newton said. “What’s the point of breaking each other if together we can really be stronger?”
For new students, the social offered an introduction to the BSU mission and its role in shaping campus culture.
For returning members, it was another chance to strengthen bonds and reaffirm their collective voice.
The evening underscored BSU’s commitment to providing spaces that not only entertain but also empower.
“To me personally, seeing events like this on campus means that the people running it are putting real effort into making sure we feel welcomed,” business administration major Jayden Carty, a sophomore, said. “It shows that they care about creating a welcoming space for everyone.”
