By Lacie Blankenship
The Owen Black Students Association (OBSA) is excited to announce several events to take place across the month of February in honor of Black History Month. OBSA programming includes a 2-week-long philanthropic drive, Closing Bell, Black Jeopardy, distinguished speakers, and more.
“The OBSA is looking forward to a month honoring African and African American history and celebrating the great successes of people that are and have blazed the path in business and culture around the world and locally in Nashville,” says Ba’Carri Johnson (MBA’23), OBSA board member.
Philanthropy
OBSA is partnering with the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) and Vanderbilt Pediatrics Interest Group to host a clothing drive benefiting Madison Middle School. The clothing drive runs through February 12, with collection bins around the Management Hall, the Law School, and in the Eskind Student Lounge. The school needs winter wear, including coats and jackets, and asks for hoodies, polo shirts, pants, belts, and socks in youth sizes 10-16 and M-XXL, and adult sizes S-L.
Closing Bell
OBSA is hosting the first Closing Bell of 2022 on February 3. This Closing Bell will be at the Student Life Center Board of Trust Meeting Room and will go from 6-7:30 p.m. OBSA will be providing drinks, snacks, and music. As always, the Owen community, friends, and families are invited to network and socialize.
Black Jeopardy
On February 9, OBSA and the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) are partnering to host a Black Jeopardy game night at the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center Auditorium. Black Jeopardy is an opportunity to learn about Black culture and African and African American history. This is an in-person event that all graduate and professional students are invited to attend.
Humans of Owen
On February 16, OBSA will help facilitate a Humans of Owen from 6:15-7:15 p.m. This particular Humans of Owen session will create space for storytelling from the Black community and other underrepresented groups. Humans of Owen is open to the Vanderbilt Business community and is in-person at the Walker Management Library (170).
Distinguished Speakers: Clint Gray, Derrick Moore, and Emanuel Reed, Slim & Husky’s Founders
On February 21, the OBSA is hosting an event with the founders of Nashville-based pizza chain Slim & Husky’s; the event will be at 1:30 p.m. and the location is to be announced.
Clint Gray, Derrick Moore, and Emanuel Reed will be speaking on Black-owned businesses and their entrepreneurial journey, which began in a basement. This event will be live-streamed for those that cannot attend in-person. Anyone interested in attending in-person or online should stay tuned to the OBSA Instagram (@vandyobsa) as plans continue to develop.
OBSA’s purpose is to support the Black student population at Vanderbilt Business by creating an environment that prioritizes diversity and fosters the advancement of students of African, West Indian, and Caribbean descent. OBSA’s mission is to help African Americans during and after their time with Vanderbilt Business, to raise awareness within the Owen community of unique Black contributions, and to lead the Black community.
The OBSA aims to advance and recognize Black voices always, but especially in February. For details on events that will occur outside of the Black History Month plans, follow OBSA on Instagram.
Additionally, OBSA will be hosting a Day in Nashville in March, which includes a visit to the Frist Museum followed by happy hour and dinner at a local Black-owned business.
For any questions, contact OBSA@vanderbilt.edu.
