UWS Celebrates Black History Month with Annual Soul Food Dinner

On Saturday February 8, the University of Wisconsin-Superior Black Student Union (BSU) hosted their well-known Soul Food Dinner in the Yellowjacket Union Great Room to celebrate Black History Month as a community, and to highlight and recognize Black History, culture, and delicious food.

Guests plating their food at the Soul Food Dinner. Photo by Maddie Schaffer | The Promethean

The event started with an introduction and a few words from the members of the BSU, as well as a speech from the BSU advisor, Ephraim Kotey Nikoi, and a speech from the BSU President Oreoluwa Sofolahan, and Co-President, Esther Ipaye,.

“You know every year we look forward to this event, because again, it is a highlight for our students, as well as the campus community and community at large,” said Nikoi. Nikoi also discussed the theme of the event, One People, which was represented by a drawing of a tree created by the BSU members.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to have this tree as a representation of humanity, and the fact that we are one people, one tree, and all the roots are our different cultures, our different backgrounds, our different races, our idiosyncrasies, all those things that really give life to the tree. So, as we as go through the celebration, I want us to see ourselves as part of this root of humanity and think about how we are contributing as human beings no matter our background, no matter our differences, how we all are contributing as one people to make this tree survive,” said Nikoi.

His speech was followed by a few words from the Mayor of Superior, Jim Payne, who talked about what the BSU means to him and the community. “Your voices matter, they’re strong, and our community is better because of the work that you do.”

Drawing representing the theme of “One People” created by BSU members. Photo by Maddie Schaffer | The Promethean

Co-President Ipaye and President Sofolahan also gave a special shoutout to those in the community who support the Soul Food Dinner, like the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion department, the Gender Equity and Resource Center, and the Veteran and Nontraditional Student Services.

The event also held it’s iconic Soul Food Dinner, featuring a menu that included fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, cornbread, and key lime pie for dessert. As well as further into the night, President Sofolahan read impactful poems for attendees, which was followed by many dance performances from the members of the BSU, a Black History Kahoot! game, and a special guest performance by musician Seyi Oyinloye.

Many local community members and campus members attended the culturally filled Soul Food Dinner. For more information about the event, visit the UW-Superior website under News and Events.