USC’s “Family Reunion” unites the USC and L.A. community for Black History Month

As Black History Month comes to a close, the Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs, Rossier School of Education, and Student Affairs hosted a “Family Reunion” event in McCarthy Quad on Friday, February 25th. The event brought USC and the surrounding L.A. community together with tasty food from local businesses, a discussion amongst impressive panelists and music that got people on their feet doing the Electric Slide.

USC students expressed admiration for how the event brought the community together on a warm Friday afternoon.

“This event feels very much like pre-COVID times, just like having fun, food and people actually like stepping out,” said Daniris Ryan, a senior studying geo design and the community chair of the Black Student Assembly.

Booths were set up in the quad where the event sponsors Clinique and LAFC were giving out free swag to students. Student and USC organizations also had booths set up to engage with community members at the event. The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Trojan Fever and the USC Credit Union were a few of the other organizations stationed in the quad.

Another student echoed Ryan’s excitement about seeing other students together again and added that she appreciated the event bringing together Black community members.

“Well, it’s good to just know that there is open spaces for people of color to be and Black people to assemble,” said Kiera Smith, a senior studying Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation.

Trojan Shop Local was a part of the Black History Month community conservations from the start to ensure local community businesses were represented at USC’s events. At the “Family Reunion,” Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen and 5 Elementos were a hit among students.

Dr. Michele G. Turner, the Associate Vice President of Business Diversity and Economic Opportunity and University Relations, underscored the importance of fostering relationships with local businesses.

“These are businesses that have inspired other people’s businesses and been havens for families in our communities,” Turner said, adding, “So, to be able to extend these relationships and create relationships that benefit our community, but also benefit the footprint that USC needs to have in terms of its involvement and partnership, I mean, it’s important.”

While some students appreciated the sense of community the event brought, one student said he was frustrated that the university wasn’t doing more for students of color.

James Turner, a sophomore studying pharmacology and drug development with a minor in LGBTQ studies, said he was frustrated that the university wasn’t making more of an effort with the Black community at USC. Turner said “there’s definitely like a lot more that could be done and should be done.”

Turner said he was still happy to be at the event because it aims to amplify Black voices. “It’s like a Black event where you can see a lot of other Black people and where like Black stories are like kind of pushed to the front rather than like being hidden in the back,” he said.