BSL holds first meeting

The Black Student League introductory meeting opened with rhythm -- African Rhythms that is. Energizing the crowd of approximately 60 students, the drum and dance group performed kakilambe, a dance celebrating good fortune, to djundjun and djimbe drums in the High Rise East rooftop lounge yesterday. The director of African Rhythms, Engineering and Wharton junior Marjorie Janvier, said she believes the dance was perfect for the occasion. "Our performance at the beginning of the BSL's first meeting has become a tradition," Janvier said. "It gets the crowd's energy flowing." The energy level was definitely high as students sat spellbound listening to BSL President and Wharton senior Kendrick Cox speak. He asked the students to think of the things they care about and the issues that are important to them. Then he spoke of the importance of caring for one's community. "We can show that we care about the community through tutoring, mentoring, supporting each other and organizing ourselves to uplift ourselves," Cox said, introducing the BSL theme "Alive in '95." He then introduced the BSL's goals for the year: Increasing social interaction among African American students, increasing active membership, co-sponsoring activities with other groups, obtaining more alumni support and further empowering the BSL's political voice. After Cox concluded his speech, the board members introduced themselves and then split the students into groups. These smaller groups served to allow students to learn each other's names and discuss what needs they wanted the BSL to meet. The meeting ended in a question-and-answer session. There was also time to sign up for different committees. Cox said he was thrilled about the turnout of the first meeting. "The meeting was very positive," he said. "I can already tell that the rest of the year is going to be exciting." BSL Vice President and College junior Anika Francis also said she thought the meeting went well. "People were very responsive," Francis said. "I am hoping that our membership continues to stay active throughout the year." Many in attendance enjoyed the meeting, which was geared primarily toward introducing freshmen to the BSL and welcoming upperclassmen. College freshman Rasool Berry said he liked the dance performed by African Rhythms. "The creative aspect of the meeting kept us all engaged," he said. Engineering sophomore Angela Adams said she thinks Cox delivered a powerful speech. "His message was inspiring and he conveyed it well," she said. And the first BSL meeting left Engineering freshman Libby Withers with high expectations. "I am looking forward to a strong African-American presence on campus based on this BSL meeting," she said. The BSL is co-sponsoring a forum tonight with The Daily Pennsylvanian for anyone interested in working for the Editorial side of the DP. The meeting is at 7:30 p.m. in the W.E.B. DuBois College House's Multi-Purpose Room.