By Arial Starks
In commemoration of Black History Month, the Owen Black Students Association (OBSA) is thrilled to announce a series of programming taking place throughout the month of February. The events include Closing Bell, a trip to the National Museum of African American Music, Uncharted Speakers events, and opportunities to fellowship and support Black businesses.
Closing Bell
Hadassah Williams, OBSA President
The OBSA is kicking off Black History Month by hosting a Closing Bell on Vanderbilt’s campus Thursday, February 1. Closing Bell, open to the Owen community, their friends, and family, will be held in the Owen Graduate School of Management lobby from 6:00-7:30 PM.
The event will feature nonprofit organization 615 Soul Line Dancers, whose mission is to encourage physical activity through the art of soul line dancing while promoting heart health, mental wellness, fellowship, and Black cultural history. There will be refreshments provided and an opportunity for all to network and socialize.
National Museum of African American Music
OBSA will be celebrating Black History with a trip to the National Museum of African American Music on Friday, February 9, from 1:00-4:00 PM. The museum, “dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans,” is located at 510 Broadway in Nashville.
Uncharted Speakers Series
OBSA will host a segment of the Uncharted Speakers Series on February 15, from 1:00-2:15 PM, featuring Vanderbilt Business alumna Ogechi Anyatonwu, CEO of Twisted Sistuhs winery. Twisted Sistuhs is a Nashville-based Black, female, Veteran-owned wine brand.
OBSA will host another Uncharted Speakers Series on February 21, from 1:00-2:15 PM, featuring Vanderbilt Business Alumna, Jocelin Clayton, Marketing Manager at Tom Ford.
Supporting Local Black Business
OBSA will celebrate Black History by supporting a local Black business through fellowship. The group will have brunch at Soul Restaurant located at 6317 Charlotte Pike in Nashville on February 17, from 11:30 AM- 2:00 PM.
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, contact OBSA@vanderbilt.edu.
Follow the OBSA on Instagram (@vandyobsa) to keep up these events as details continue to develop; this article will be updated as details are finalized.
