By Lacie Blankenship
The Owen Black Students Association (OBSA) is excited to announce several events taking place throughout the month of February in honor of Black History Month. OBSA programming includes Closing Bell, Black Jeopardy, distinguished speakers, and community service.
Megan Britt
“Every year, Black History Month provides the Owen Black Students Association with an opportunity to highlight our community and our culture,” says Megan Britt (MBA’23), President of OBSA. “This is a time for us to not only celebrate and learn from successful Black business leaders, but we have the unique ability to share all of this with the Owen community.”
Closing Bell
OBSA is hosting Closing Bell on February 2 from 6:00-7:30 PM in the Owen Lobby/Courtyard. OBSA will provide drinks, snacks, and music. The Owen community, friends, and families are invited to network and socialize.
Black Jeopardy
On February 8, OBSA is hosting a Black Jeopardy game night in Owen 204 from 6:00-7:30 PM. Black Jeopardy is an opportunity to learn about Black culture and African and African American history. All graduate and professional students are invited to attend.
Uncharted Speaker Series: Christopher Hackney, SVP, BayFirst Financial
On February 16, OBSA will host a segment of the Uncharted Speaker Series featuring Christopher Hackney, SVP, Director of SBA Loan Origination, BayFirst Financial, from 1:15-2:15 PM in Owen 110 (Averbuch). Lunch will be served.
Uncharted Speaker Series: Ryan Butler, VP, The Recording Academy
On February 22, OBSA will host a second segment of the Uncharted Speaker Series featuring Ryan Butler, VP of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, The Recording Academy, from 1:15-2:15 PM. Ryan will be joining via Zoom, but students are welcome to join in Owen 110 (Averbuch). Lunch will be served.
Philanthropy
OBSA is partnering with the Edgehill Neighborhood Partnership in their FreeStore. More details to come.
Stay tuned to the OBSA Instagram (@vandyobsa) as plans continue to develop; this article will be updated as details are finalized. Throughout the month, the Vanderbilt Business Instagram (@vanderbiltowen) will showcase OBSA programming and feature OBSA takeovers.
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.
OBSA aims to advance and recognize Black voices always, but especially in February. For details on events that will occur outside of Black History Month, follow OBSA on Instagram. For any questions, contact OBSA@vanderbilt.edu.
