Photo Essay: STUBSA celebrates Valentine's Day through connections and music

On Feb. 13, before Valentine's Day, the St. Thomas University Black Student Association (STUBSA) hosted a social event where Black students could come together to make connections outside of the classroom.  (Malachi Lefurgey/AQ)

To break the ice, the STUBSA handed out questionnaire bingo sheets, where everyone must go around and mark someone who crosses out the specific box. For example, “someone who was born in July.” 

Though the event started quietly with groups huddled together, fearing the unknown of introductions, it was later filled with laughter and music.  

Sarai Laguerre, Antotida Bishi, Melinda Nganga and Micrielle Manga (left to right). (Malachi Lefurgey/AQ)

“[I] wanted to be free from school, relax, enjoy, have fun, forget about everything,” said Micrielle Manga, a STU student who attended the event.  

Melinda Nganga, a STU student, said, “I saw the event on Instagram and thought it was cool and the activities are really nice.”   

Connections sparked left and right; laughter echoed across James Dunn Hall (JDH). Simple conversations, from liking the same TV show to having the same pet, created sparks in the room.  (Malachi Lefurgey/AQ)

Gabriella Mascarenhas said the STUBSA “makes the best events, turning JDH into a whole party.” (Malachi Lefurgey/AQ)  

Despite the great food made by Black students, the social avenue was not forgotten.

Julius Oni was looking forward to meeting as many people as possible.  

“That's what this event is about, meeting new people," he said.

To get people into the dancing spirit, STUBSA took control of the speakers and had everyone join in the classical game of musical chairs. A chair was broken between swaying legs and arm flaring. (Malachi Lefurgey/AQ) 

In the beginning stages of a relationship, it's key to discuss boundaries and preferences with each person. Relationships are about learning through trial and error. STUBSA took serious conversations and translated them into humorous games that sparked conversations. (Malachi Lefurgey/AQ)

“Making an event like this will bring the community together, we’re really big on having a family and creating a community,” said Adetomiwa Adeyemi, vice-president of STUBSA. (Malachi Lefurgey/AQ)

“[We wanted] to tell people about Black love and friendship. Black people may find it hard connecting with others since they feel not seen sometimes, or they're part of a vulnerable population.”