Intersectionality, Glitz Come Together at Affirmations Ball

By Edward McNeil III
Spectrum Staff Writer

A sparkling black and gold-themed ball, with black chairs and couches and a shiny black dance floor with golden disco balls hanging from above, filled the Bowie State University’s Student Center Ballroom.

The semi-formal event on Feb. 22 marked the 2nd annual BSU Intersectionality Affirmations Ball: A Golden Renaissance hosted by the Bowie State University Office of Residence Life and Housing, Office of Multicultural Programs and Services, ATOD and the LGBTQIA Resource Center.

While last year’s ball focused on a Wakanda/Black Panther-inspired theme, this year’s event included blackjack and roulette tables, a photo booth for attendees to create memories and a DJ who played a wide variety of music. The evening was topped off with a catered buffet that included fried chicken, fried macaroni and cheese balls, Caesar salad, mixed fruit, spa water, sweet tea, lemonade and an assortment of baked desserts. The event also had raffle tickets and the lucky winner received a flat-screen TV.

The Affirmations Ball served to remind students of color that they are representing Black excellence from the past, present and future. With a nod to Black History Month, and BSU’s place as the first HBCU in Maryland, established on Jan. 9, 1865, co-host Dr. Kendrick Peters elaborated on the history of Bowie State University and the purpose of the Affirmations Ball.

 “…So, the Affirmations Ball was born from a conversation," Peters said. "This concentrated on the opportunity to do something different.” 

The opportunity to do something different presented some students with a new experience. There is a plethora of students whose high school experience was cut short due to the covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Third-year student Allen Blake graduated high school in 2020. He did not get to experience a prom, and the Affirmations Ball was a great experience for him. 

“It’s an amazing feeling just to see, not just college students, but people who went through similar circumstances, and all can be together in one room and just enjoy themselves, dress up, and have a nice time,” Blake said.

Whether partygoers attended the Affirmations Ball for fun, history or a free flat-screen TV, it appeared that everyone agreed this year's ball was a success and they are expecting another one next year.