With the rise of racial tension on campus, this year’s Ebony Ball, hosted by the Wisconsin Black Student Union, came just in time for students who have been victimized, oppressed or feel unwelcome to take the time to explore what makes them magical while fellowshipping with other Black students on campus. The Ebony Ball is an amazing tradition that was developed by the Black students on UW-Madison’s campus as a way to uplift, appreciate and love one another. This annual event brings together Black students and staff to convene and celebrate each other’s success. This year’s ball was held at Union South on April 7. With “The Quintessence of Black Magic” as the ball’s theme, WBSU led a captivating itinerary.
The night began with some lively music and a nice lasagna dinner. As guests walked in, people were asked to vote on a student from each class to receive an award recognizing their positive impact on the Black community and the Madison community as a whole. The hosts of the evening were Tashiana Lipscomb and Kenneth Jackson. These two freshmen promptly started the program by introducing the University Gospel Choir’s praise team. Once the praise team finished their renditions of “What if God Is Unhappy?” by Christopher Brinson and “Yes” by Trey Mclaughlin, the host proceeded to the awards portion of the night.
The first award presented was the Freshman Luminary Award. This award was given to First Wave Scholar and Chicagoan Eneale Pickett. According to WBSU, this award’s purpose is to reflect on how Pickett has “lightened up this campus with their presence.” The next award presented was the Sophomore Trailblazer award. WBSU describes this award as recognition for continuing to be a force on campus and engaging with the community, while leaving a trail for freshman students to follow. Mariam Coker, another First Wave Scholar and ASM Equity and Inclusion committee chair, received this award for her remarkable work in striving towards creating a better campus.
After the first two awards were presented, the space opened up for a Best Dressed competition. This portion of the night allowed for students to not only get out their seats, but also allowed them to be recognized for how good they looked that night. The moment this happened, there was a veil of excitement filling the room. Upwards of twenty people fled to the front of the room to see who rocked the most impressive outfit. As each person cat-walked across the room, the audience clapped and affirmed all the beautiful faces that competed. In the end, Francisco Velasquez and Kennedie King took the crown for best dressed.
Following the lively fashion intermission, the last two awards were presented to the Junior and Senior winners. The Junior Eminence Award was given to Bryan Mack, campus barber and Retailing and Consumer Behavior major. This award is reflective of his ability to juggle extracurriculars and academics and still successfully be an influential member of the community. Lastly, Bobbie Briggs won the Senior Revolutionary Award. The senior award represents Briggs’ contributions to this campus and the lives and spaces that she has blessed in her time at UW-Madison. These awards were a beautiful way to affirm students and show them that they are appreciated.
The Rootz: Afro-Caribbean Dance Team graced everybody with a marvelous routine that gave the entire room great vibes, just in time to receive the keynote speech of the night.
The keynote speaker of the night was Doctoral student Ashley Smith. Smith has been a major influence on UW-Madison’s campus. In just the second year of her Educational Policy Studies program, she has been able to touch the lives of many students, especially those of the Black community. Smith gave a phenomenal address to the attendees about how to retain their magic while being immersed in a predominantly white setting like UW-Madison. Smith gave everyone advice on self-preservation and care. She commended organizations and campaigns such as #TheRealUW and The Blackout Movement, giving praise to the perseverance and endurance of student leaders on campus dedicated to fighting for social justice.
Following Smith’s keynote, seniors were presented with graduation stoles from the President and Vice President of WBSU, Marquise Mays and Adetola Coker. The last presentation of the night was for staff member of the year. This final honor was given to Multicultural Learning Community Director and UW-Madison alum, Gayle Smaller. Naturally, as all the awards and performances came to an end, the music’s volume started to rise as people rose from their seats to dance. The space immediately turned into a photoshoot and dance party. This wonderful night ended with smiles, hugs and laughter. The Wisconsin Black Student Union definitely pulled off a fantastic Ebony Ball for this year’s students and it’s safe to say that the night was one to remember.
