LBCC’s Black Student Success Center (BSSC) began day one of LBCC’s first-ever Black Legacy Week, on May 11, with a “Rest & Reclaim” event that entailed soundbaths, yoga and meditation, all meant for students as finals week is approaching.
BSSC Club organizer Angela Fowlkes is describing the process of establishing and launching this week.
“In February, we started to identify what type of programming we wanted to create for Black Legacy Week. We (BSSC) celebrated our two-year anniversary in April, so we wanted to create signature events.”
With a start time of noon, part one of the event began in the BSSC, located in room L-103, where guest speakers, such as the Director of Psychological Sciences at LBCC, Ginger Wilkerson, spoke to event goers.
She explained the significance of mental health, as well as offering resources that help students cope and recover.
It also included a sound bath, performed by Sage Gingerman. Soundbathing uses instruments like singing bowls to create sound waves and vibrations, aiming to calm the mind and body.
As the chime and hum of the singing bowls filled the room, participants and leaders alike closed their eyes.
During this time, some participants opened up about the struggles they’ve had, academically or otherwise. Almost immediately, participants were supported and uplifted.
Outside of the Success Center was a hand-drawn welcome sign, done by BSSC Cabinet member Irie Harper.
Harper has no problem expressing the positives of an event that truly allows students to reflect, pause and push through finals week with the additional anxiety of graduating and moving forward after LBCC.
“This week reflects the positivity of black culture based on the fact that we change. We grow. We evolve throughout the years, even despite the tragedies and hardships we as a people have been through. We want to reflect on the past that we have been through, because it’s always the mirror of the past that shows us our future,” Harper said.
After the sound bath and an open-floor-esque discussion, the event transitioned outdoors. Food was provided as the lawn was transformed into a “shala.”
A shala is a Sanskrit word that translates to the meaning of a home, house, or place.
Throughout the event, conversation ensued and participants engaged with one another.
Led by yoga instructor Briana Reyes, the calming yoga session began with a similar turnout.
Both graduating and returning students were able to clear their minds and have a fresh start, in no small part due to what the Black Student Success Center has done for its members.
LBCC student Marcio Donaldson, who is graduating this semester, commented on how it’s helped him in his collegiate journey.
“To be honest, it’s held me accountable. Certain things that I wouldn’t have done, I did here because I had the space and the community to push me. I mean, to have people who look like you has held me to a certain standard in my life, to pave the way in a sense,” Donaldson said.
