Students came in cold from the weather, but moments after the event began, everyone was peeling off their warmer layers. The music began bumping, and people began trickling in. There were smiles on every face, friendly embraces and laughter. 

The RASA/ASHE Center hosted an event called Welcome Black to usher black students in to the spring semester Feb. 5. The new vice president of Student Services, Dr. Davin Brown, was one of the speakers at the event. 

“This is intentional,” said Brown after the event. “This is an institutionalized effort to support the black students.” 

There was a stage set up in the Student Center for the event and about 15 tables with chairs where students could congregate. Several tables were lined up at the back of the room with people providing information about a variety of City College student services. 

Lisa Hayden, the newest member of the Student Success and Support Program, introduced the math department, RISE, Transfer Center, Financial Aid, Career Center, Writing Center and Black Student Union representatives at tables set up along the back wall..

 “It’s wonderful to be in this community, and it’s beautiful to see all of your faces out in the crowd,” Hayden said. 

As students entered, they were greeted at a table set up with a place to sign in, as well as bingo cards and raffle tickets. After signing in, a few students headed for the Jenga, Jumbo Connect Four and cornhole games by the entrance. 

“This is a space that’s for you and only you. We have a wealth of support and resources not only of services but of people,” said Brown, motioning toward the tables in the back. 

Brown welcomed the students to the event and asked for the crowd to observe a moment of silence to honor ancestors.

“Versatility is absolutely critical in everything that you do,” Brown said, acknowledging that the people gathered for the event all encounter challenges in life during their daily lives and that it’s important to establish a safe space like the one created by the RASA/ASHE Center 

By visiting the tables of student services students could mark their “ASHE Bingo” cards after speaking one on one with delegates from the various student services present. The people at these tables and the services they represent could become important allies in the lives of black students, Hayden explained.

Through the whole event, at least four clashes of wooden tiles from the huge Jenga tower echoed through the room. DJ Remme played song after song that received applause and cheers from the crowd throughout the event. 

The raffle prizes were three $25 gas cards with three winners chosen throughout the event. Aaron Armer, sociology major, was one of the raffle winners. 

“I’d definitely use the resources here,” said Armer.